Las Vegas GP: Our thoughts on the track, opening ceremony & pre-race hype
Nov 16, 2023
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Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm discuss the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, sharing their initial views on the venue and circuit, as well as the drivers' thoughts. They also talk about the glitzy opening ceremony and former McLaren driver John Watson's experience racing in Las Vegas. Plus, they touch on Andretti's bid to enter F1 and the challenges faced at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Some drivers felt uncomfortable with the showmanship of the opening ceremony but understand its importance for an event like the Las Vegas race.
Max Verstappen is not a fan of promotional events and may have strong opinions due to being required to project positivity.
Fernando Alonso recognizes the significance of showmanship at the Las Vegas race, despite his concerns about the workload during a Grand Prix weekend.
Deep dives
Opening Ceremony and Driver Introductions
The podcast discusses the opening ceremony and driver introductions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The hosts share their thoughts on the spectacle and the drivers' reactions to it. They acknowledge that while some drivers felt uncomfortable and not accustomed to this style of showmanship, they understand why it is done and why it is important for an event like the Las Vegas race.
Verstappen's Views
Max Verstappen's opinion on the opening ceremony and driver introductions is highlighted in the podcast. The hosts explain that Verstappen is not a fan of these types of promotional events, and they discuss his general aversion to participating in activities outside of racing. They also note that Verstappen's strong opinions may stem from being required to be positive about the event, even though it goes against his personal preferences.
Alonso's Perspective
Fernando Alonso's perspective on the opening ceremony and driver introductions is presented. The hosts mention that Alonso recognizes the significance of having these types of events at a race like Las Vegas, given its reputation and investment. They explain that while Alonso has his own concerns about the workload during a Grand Prix weekend, he understands the rationale behind incorporating such showmanship into the event.
Impressions of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The podcast hosts share their overall impressions of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. While some media members express frustration about inconveniences such as the Media Center being outside of the paddock, the hosts believe that the race has a promising start overall. They acknowledge that there may be challenges with the track and its potential for exciting racing, but they also note that factors like low grip and the layout could lead to variables such as crashes, safety cars, and errors. They believe that the success of the Vegas Grand Prix could have positive impacts on other aspects of Formula One and increase the chances of circuits like Spa remaining on the calendar.
The Expectations and Realities of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The hosts discuss the expectations and realities of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. They acknowledge that some people, including media members, have negative views about the race, but they argue that this type of race fits the personality and nature of Las Vegas. They point out that while the track may not be outstanding and there are inconveniences like walking around the circuit, they believe it is important to remember that this is not a completely new concept and that other tracks have faced similar challenges. They emphasize the need to wait and see how the race unfolds and whether it generates excitement and unpredictable moments.
Join Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell-Malm on the ground in Las Vegas, as they look ahead to arguably the most hyped race in F1 history. They share their initial views on the venue and circuit, discuss what the drivers have been saying about it (including Max Verstappen's negative comments), and reveal what it was like to attend the glitzy opening ceremony in person. We'll also hear from former McLaren driver John Watson on what it was like to race (and finish on the podium) in F1's first attempt to make a success of a Las Vegas Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982, plus we'll get the latest on Andretti's bid to get an American team onto the Formula 1 grid.
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