Max Verstappen gives Las Vegas GP hope to F1 rivals as world champion admits race concerns.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place for the first time in 39 years next weekend but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has admitted his concerns about the all-new track in Nevada

World champion Max Verstappen has offered hope to his Formula 1 rivals by hinting that there’ll be “surprises” at the Las Vegas Grand Prix – a race which he’s still not fully prepared for.

For the penultimate race of the year, Formula One returns to Nevada this coming weekend for the first time since 1984. After winning the Brazilian Grand Prix once more, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is poised to attempt a record-breaking 18 season victories on the brand-new track in Vegas. Verstappen has already secured his third consecutive world championship.

The 26-year-old Dutchman is aware that he still has a lot of work ahead of him to perfect the circuit, which will pass famous Vegas sites like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio. A-list celebrities from all over the world are expected to attend. “There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Verstappen acknowledged following his easy victory in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

“I still need to go on the simulator. I still don’t even know the track, to be honest. The last time I tried it on the F1 game, I think I hit more walls than I was going straight. So, let’s hope that’s not the case when I start driving there!”

The 26-year-old also suggested that the cooler temperatures, expected to be around 10 degrees Celsius during the evening sessions, will cause some “surprises” at the star-studded event. “It’s going to be very different to here, very low temperatures, of course in the night there,” Verstappen added.

“It’s a street circuit, we have no experience there, we don’t know the track grip. All new – so maybe it will give you a few surprises. I don’t know.”In March, Christian Horner, the team principal for Red Bull, declared that the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the “biggest sporting event on the globe.” “Las Vegas is our new venue this year, after Miami last year,” Horner said.

“I have never witnessed such excitement surrounding a race. This year’s major athletic event is going to be the largest one worldwide, in my opinion. There is an enormous demand for that race. Of course, with 23 races held at various locations across the globe, the commercial demand for the sport is at an all-time high. Therefore, I believe it does accommodate everyone.”