LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas for the first time in 41 years determined to be the most glamourous event on the globe-hopping schedule.

It was a street party and Max Verstappen openly criticized the focus, which targeted high-rollers with a hefty entry fee and a bright spotlight on celebrities, concerts, exclusive events — basically everything but the actual race. He characterized the event as “99% show, and 1% sporting event.”

By the time he collected the checkered flag, Verstappen was singing “Viva Las Vegas” over his in-car radio. When he returned last year, his fifth-place finish was enough to secure the Dutchman his fourth consecutive world championship.

If his previous negative opinion has changed, Verstappen didn't say — he did not address the event itself

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