‘Contender for race of the year!’ Did the Las Vegas GP live up to the hype?
Nov 21, 2023
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Craig Slater and Simon Lazenby discuss the dramatic Las Vegas Grand Prix, comparing it to other races and addressing Max Verstappen's initial criticism. They explore Max's refreshing honesty as a driver and discuss the chaotic schedule of the event. They also speculate on potential locations for a fourth race in the US and discuss the qualities of a potential team leader.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix received mixed reactions, with some praising the showmanship while others criticized the lack of pure racing.
Max Verstappen's candid criticism of the event sparked a debate about the balance between entertainment and racing in Formula One.
Deep dives
The Hype and Success of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The podcast episode discusses whether the Las Vegas Grand Prix lived up to the hype. It explores different perspectives on the event, including the scale, the show versus the sport, and the overall experience for both fans and those working at the event. The episode highlights the economic impact on Las Vegas and the potential for future improvements, such as adjusting the race time to better accommodate both the American and European audiences. Overall, the episode suggests that while there were some challenges and criticisms, the event was ultimately a success.
Max Verstappen's Criticism and the True Racer Identity
The podcast delves into Max Verstappen's criticism of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, particularly his view that it was more focused on showmanship rather than pure racing. The episode examines the authenticity of Verstappen's comments and the contrasting opinions regarding the importance of entertainment versus the racing experience. It highlights Verstappen's reputation as a straightforward and honest racer and the value of his candid insights. While some may disagree with his perspective, the episode emphasizes the importance of differing viewpoints and healthy debates within Formula One.
The Impact of the Drain Cover Incident and Fan Sentiment
The podcast briefly touches on the incident involving the drain covers during Friday's practice session and the impact it had on the fans. It mentions that some fans were understanding of the situation, given that they had three-day tickets and still enjoyed the overall experience despite limited track action. The episode commends the efforts made to entertain the fans during the downtime and the positive sentiment expressed by some fans, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the event organizers.
Racing Highlights and Future of US Races in F1
The podcast acknowledges the thrilling on-track action during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, specifically noting the intense battles and last-lap drama between drivers. It emphasizes the importance of street tracks in delivering exciting races and compares the US races, ranking Austin, Las Vegas, and Miami based on their overall performance and fan experience. The episode contemplates the future of US races in Formula One, with the possibility of adding a fourth race in New York and the need to continuously improve and attract fans in traditional racing centers.
Matt Baker is joined by Sky Sports’ Craig Slater and Simon Lazenby who give their first-hand experiences and opinions on the dramatic and spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix. How did it compare to other races on the F1 calendar and did the actual racing deliver? Were Max Verstappen’s pessimistic pre-race comments justified? How did the fans who attended react to the race weekend? Do the schedule and timings need to change in future years?
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