MAX VERSTAPPEN accused Formula One bosses of treating him and fellow drivers like "clowns" at last night's opening ceremony for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Drivers were unveiled on giant podiums amid a dramatic light show and live music, but the threetime world champion was left unimpressed.
Verstappen dismissed the late-night Saturday race - a shift from the traditional Sunday as "99 per cent show and one per cent sporting event".
Flowner Liberty Media has pumped in excess of £400million to pull off a first race in Vegas for over 40 years, a move which has left the current dominant force of the sport unimpressed.
"For me, you can skip all these things (the glitzy launch)," he said.
"It's not about the singer (including Kylie Minogue, left), it's just standing up there - you look like a clown.
Esta historia es de la edición November 16, 2023 de Evening Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 16, 2023 de Evening Standard.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Can turmeric put a spring in your step?
Arthritis was not only robbing Jane of the pleasure of her daily dog walks, but also of sound sleep. Until she discovered Food-Grown Organic TurmaForte Turmeric, which has now brought back joy and ease to her daily routine
I found the Ozempic for smokers. Within aweek, I'd quit
Last November, the NHS announced a miracle cure for smokers: a demo graphic I’ve identified with from the age of 14.
Taking the plunge
Dancing On Ice star Mollie Pearce opens up about training for her toughest challenge yet.
Can McCullum's Midas touch turn white-ball sides to gold?
England coach worked miracles with Test team...now he must do it again
The London MP, her despot aunt and a scandal that won't go away
Tulip Siddiq's close links to a bloodthirsty regime leave her constituents with serious concerns
Markets in turmoil, zero growth and confidence smashed
It's a depressing picture, but Reeves could turn it around - if she'd listen to London
Chelsea swagger: Why SW3 is swinging again
With a wave of red-hot openings, this formerly supercool enclave of south-west London is the place to be once more
Advanced prostate care at Sage Urology
Prostate health is crucial for men over 50, with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and early prostate cancer being common concerns.
Lake Como & Lugano: your exclusive Alpine escape at Parco San Marco
Where the majestic Alps embrace the serene waters of Lake Como and Lake Lugano, Parco San Marco Hotels & Beach Resort offers a sanctuary of luxury and natural beauty.
Could Trump be the unlikely mastermind of world peace?
The Gaza ceasefire deal is his first win for the 'peace through strength' doctrine
