Ecclestone slates F1 over Las Vegas Grand Prix

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has slated the Las Vegas Grand Prix and claims it "has nothing to do with Formula 1".

The sport arrives in Nevada for the inaugural running of the race, its first visit to Sin City since the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix, with drivers set to race past the world-famous hotels and casinos on The Strip.

With F1 leading the promotion of the event, the hype for the race has been huge and, given its aim to further boost popularity in the United States, an opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday before driver introductions return ahead of the Grand Prix.

Ecclestone was instrumental in extending F1's reach around the world but speaking to NOS ahead of the Las Vegas GP, he said: “I’m not really looking forward to it.

"Why not? It has nothing to do with Formula 1.”

Ecclestone happy with F1 expansion

F1's expansion has seen it reach new countries - particularly in the Middle East - with Qatar and Saudi Arabia among the newer races on the calendar.

Having played his part in the sport's worldwide expansion, Ecclestone insisted: “I am happy that the sport continues to develop around the world. I am the one who brought Formula 1 out of Europe and to the rest of the world.

“We are competing for a World Championship, not a European Championship. It is good that that remains the case.”