Verstappen's Sarcastic Take on Las Vegas Qualifying: 'Super Fun!'
Max Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, sarcastically calling the track an 'ice rink' due to extreme lack of grip and poor visibility. Despite his strong second-place qualification, the Red Bull driver highlighted his frustration with the conditions, drawing parallels to the challenging 2020 Turkish GP. Verstappen remains focused on winning the race, despite his critical assessment of the qualifying experience.
Max Verstappen's sarcastic remarks highlighted his frustration with the qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, describing the track conditions as an “ice rink” and far from enjoyable. Despite his strong performance this season, the Red Bull driver made it clear he wasn't thrilled with the zero-grip conditions.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen's candid feedback on the Las Vegas track conditions underscores a broader concern among drivers regarding the unique challenges presented by street circuits, particularly in adverse weather. His comments, delivered with characteristic bluntness, highlight the fine line between spectacle and safe, competitive racing, raising questions about track design and preparation.
The Details:
- Frustration with Conditions: Verstappen sarcastically described his experience, stating, “Yeah, great,” and “I love driving in the rain, but this was just ice. I might as well go rallying.”
- Lack of Grip: He emphasized the “zero grip” on the track, which made driving challenging despite the absence of heavy rain.
- Visibility Issues: Verstappen also noted the poor visibility, stating, “there isn’t enough light, it’s just dark on the track.”
- Comparison to Past Experiences: When asked about similar experiences, he recalled the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, sarcastically calling it “great fun too.”
- Qualifying Result: Despite his complaints, Verstappen secured second place on the grid, demonstrating his ability to perform even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
- Car Performance in Wet Conditions: He acknowledged that the Red Bull car struggles in the rain, particularly on intermediate tires, compared to competitors like McLaren.
What's next:
Verstappen is known for his relentless pursuit of victory. Despite his dissatisfaction with qualifying, he remains focused on the race, stating, “I’m here to win and nothing else, so then second is fine. We’re going to give it a try, anyway.” This indicates his determination to overcome the track challenges and aim for the top spot in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.