Helmut Marko, known for his contrarian views, has expressed strong criticism of the Formula 1 event taking place in Las Vegas this weekend. The third Grand Prix on American soil is the organization’s showpiece, but according to Marko, the event does not meet expectations at all. “An insane city at the start of an insane triple header,” he states.
Las Vegas opened its doors with much fanfare last year for the inaugural Grand Prix. However, the spectacle was short-lived; after just nine minutes, the first free practice was halted because Carlos Sainz damaged his car on a loose manhole cover. It was a harbinger of a messy weekend with multiple angry fans. Even in the run-up to the second edition of this new jewel on the Formula 1 calendar, and also the only race fully managed by Liberty Media, Helmut Marko remains unconvinced.
“It’s not great,” he began in an interview with Austrian OE24. “This is truly an insane city, the slot machines are even in the lobby of your hotel. And then it’s also a night race. Last year we were lucky that the circuit produced a great race, because the event absolutely did not meet the high expectations.
‘Insane Triple Header’
Helmut Marko further explained that the local population is not pleased with the racing spectacle. “The GP is not really welcomed by the residents of Las Vegas,” he continued. “They close off almost all the streets, so you have to take huge detours to get anywhere. And then we also have to arrive a day earlier than usual, because the connecting flights to and from Las Vegas are so poor.”
Finally, the Austrian criticized the fact that the Las Vegas GP is part of a new triptych. After the busy American triple header, the last three Grands Prix also follow each other in quick succession. “It does demand a lot from me,” admitted the 81-year-old man from Graz. “A triple header at the end of this season is truly insane.” Max Verstappen also previously expressed his displeasure about the busy schedule.
