Verstappen underwhelmed by Las Vegas F1 circuit layout

Max Verstappen has asserted that he is not a fan of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit ahead of its Formula 1 debut this weekend.

The race was originally announced over 18 months ago with F1 investing heavily into the set-up of the event as it continues to expand its reach in the United States.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will mark the third US-based race this year after outings in Miami, Florida and Austin, Texas.

The track consists of the famous Las Vegas strip but Verstappen is not excited by the layout, insisting he prefers tracks that consist of high-speed corners.

“I don't think it's that exciting,” he told media including RacingNews365.com.

“That's the only thing but already for me, street circuits are not very exciting, especially with these new cars.

“They're just too heavy. And especially when you have low grip, that doesn't help.

“Of course, the scenery will look great driving through the strip, but the layout itself is not the most exciting.

“An F1 car is a lot more fun with a lot of high-speed corners and I think around here, there are not that many high-speed corners.”

Verstappen coy over Red Bull pace

The weekend kicked off with an opening ceremony held in which the drivers were presented to the attending fans.

Verstappen was critical of the show, stating that he felt like a “clown”.

Red Bull enters the race weekend having been defeated just once so far this year, when Ferrari prevailed in Singapore.

As Verstappen goes in search of his 18th win of the campaign, the Dutchman stated that it is impossible to know if conditions in Las Vegas will suit Red Bull.

“It might not [suit us] but honestly it could also be very good,” Verstappen said.

“I don't know. At the moment, no one really knows where you're at.

“I think it's more important that we just go out there, feel the conditions, build the grip, and then just try to set up and see what happens.”