Max Verstappen has described the Las Vegas Grand Prix as "99% show and 1% sporting event" while also dismissing the pre-race ceremony as making him feel like a "clown."
Prior to the traditional media activities, all 20 drivers made their way to the grid for the pre-race ceremony where they were raised on platforms to greet fans.
Attendance was sparse with Verstappen not impressed by the event - as the World Champion doubled-down on his dislike of the event overall.
Verstappen has been particularly vocal about believing F1 is simply in Las Vegas for the show, with sporting reasons a firm second, believing 99% of the reason why the race was taking place was for entertainment purposes.
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Verstappen's scathing response
"99% show and 1% sporting event," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365 of the upcoming race.
"I don't have a lot of emotions to be honest, I just want to focus on the performance side of things, I don't like all the things that are around, I know they are part of it, but it is not in my interest.
"[The track] is not very interesting], and I just want to do the best I can - there is no problem - but it's not really my thing.
"If I like it or not, it is not up to me, but I am not going to fake it.
"I just voiced my opinion on positive and negative things, and that is just how I am.
"Some people like the show a bit more, I don't like it at all.
"I grew up just looking at the performance side of things, and that is how I see it as well. I like to be in Vegas - but not so much for the racing."
Verstappen also had a scathing verdict on the pre-race opening ceremony that took place.
"For me, you can skip all these kinds of things," he said.
"It's just standing up there, [and you] look like a clown."
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Verstappen
Sergio
Pérez
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Fernando
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