Max Verstappen does a complete 180 on Las Vegas GP, claims he is “already excited to come back” in 2024

Max Verstappen swiftly changed his opinion about the Las Vegas GP after winning the race.

Max Verstappen does a complete 180 on Las Vegas GP, claims he is “already excited to come back” in 2024

Max Verstappen on the Las Vegas GP podium (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen came home to win the Las Vegas GP. The Dutch driver was the biggest critic of the race at the start of the weekend. Verstappen had even slammed F1 for focusing too much on the entertainment side of the weekend instead of the racing. However, it seems that the three-time world champion has changed his opinion.

Verstappen was interviewed after the race by David Coulthard. The 26-year-old that there was a lot of good racing in the inaugural Las Vegas GP. So much so, that the three-time world champion claimed that he enjoyed the race. This is in stark contrast to Max Verstappen’s comments on Friday when he mentioned that he did not enjoy driving on the circuit.

I think it created quite a lot of good racing here today so it was definitely a lot of fun.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by Sky Sports F1

Moreover, Verstappen praised the fans attending the race in Sin City. The Dutch driver hoped that the attendees had fun watching the exciting race, like how the drivers enjoyed racing. Additionally, the three-time world champion claimed that he was already looking forward to coming back to Vegas for the 2024 Las Vegas GP.

FS Video
Great crowd I mean I hope everyone enjoyed it a bit. We definitely did. So yeah already excited to come back here next year and hopefully try to do something similar.

Max Verstappen takes stellar victory at Las Vegas GP

Max Verstappen started on the front row alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc. The Dutch driver collided with Leclerc at turn 1 as both cars went off track. Verstappen was forced to pit for a new front wing and was later given a five-place penalty. Things got worse as the three-time world champion made contact with George Russell later on.

Max Verstappen sprays champagne at the Las Vegas GP podium
Max Verstappen sprays champagne at the Las Vegas GP podium (Via F1/X)

Nevertheless, Max Verstappen began to put in the quickest lap times on the track. The 26-year-old came right behind Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez who were fighting for the lead of the race. Verstappen swiftly passed his teammate and then made an incredible move on the Ferrari. The three-time world champion was once again in the lead of the Las Vegas GP.

The Dutch driver managed the race pace from then on. Max Verstappen built himself a comfortable gap to the cars behind. With Leclerc and Perez fighting for second place till the finish straight. Verstappen crossed the chequered flag in first place and took a record eighteenth win in the 2023 F1 season.

In case you missed it: