Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton defends Las Vegas Grand Prix amidst criticism

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended the organisation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after criticism from present world champion Max Verstappen.

Red Bull’s Verstappen had stated the occasion was “99 percent show and one percent sporting event” and stated the road observe was “not every interesting”.

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Other drivers together with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz had questioned the quantity of economic commitments that drivers have needed to undertake across the race.

The feedback, after a glitzy opening ceremony with a drone present and efficiency from Australian singer Kylie Minogue, are unlikely to have happy F1’s American house owners Liberty Media, who’re additionally promotors of the Vegas race.

Hamilton

But Hamilton stated that the expansion the game within the United States was a welcome improvement and praised the American investor and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.

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“I hear there are a lot of people complaining about the direction that Stefano and Liberty has gone. But they are doing an amazing job,” stated the Mercedes driver.

“The sport continues to grow. It is a business and you will still see good racing here. It is a country to tap into and really captivate the audience,” he stated.

Hamilton stated there was clearly a buzz across the occasion.

“Everybody I know in Hollywood is coming and there will be a lot of business going on this weekend,” he stated.

“It will be a good spectacle to watch, even for those back home who have never been to Vegas. They will get to learn what it is all about,” he stated.

The race will go alongside the well-known ‘strip’, dwelling to town’s prime inns and casinos.

The return of F1 to Vegas after a 41 yr absence follows the addition of Miami to the circuit whereas the US Grand Prix is held in Austin, Texas.

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“We needed to have at least two races in the US, one wasn’t enough, and this is one of the most iconic and unique cities that they have here,” stated British driver Hamilton, who conceded that the environment across the Vegas race was very completely different to among the established traditional venues on the circuit.

“It is a big show for sure, and it is never going to be like Silverstone, but maybe over time, the people in this community will grow to love the sport,” he stated.

Verstappen’s criticism

Verstappen had criticised the observe saying he wasn’t a fan of road programs usually.

“Of course it will be great driving through the Strip, but then the layout itself is not the most exciting. An F1 car is a lot more fun with a lot of high-speed corners,” stated the Dutchman.

But Hamilton stated he would wait till the drivers had competed on it, beginning with Thursday night time’s observe classes, earlier than making any judgement.

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“Maybe the track will be good, and maybe it will be bad. It was so-so on the simulator. But don’t knock it until you try it,” he stated.

© Agence France-Presse


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