Max Verstappen has made an unusual request to F1 bosses after they announced a new street race in Las Vegas next season. The reigning champion has demanded F1 does not put Las Vegas as part of a back-to-back race weekend.
He warned a “few drivers might not wake up” for the race and suggested F1 needed a “two-week break” either side of the race. However, he added racing in the iconic city would be “fun” in a video released by F1 showing the driver’s first reaction to the news.
Verstappen said: “I think a few drivers might not wake up for the race itself. Let’s not do back to back for this one, let’s give it like two weeks’ break before and after.”
When asked if Verstappen will need a detox week, he added: “If you call it a detox, yeah. It’s going to be fun.”
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The drivers all had stunned reactions to the news worth McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo also letting slip he would stay in the sport to race on a new track.
He said: “I was gonna retire, I won’t no more.”
Although it is unsure if Ricciardo was speaking in jest, it fuels rumors Ricciardo is unsettled with his current team. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali added in Las Vegas there was “no better place” for F1 to race.
He said: “This is an incredible moment for Formula One that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US. Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip.
“There is no better place for Formula One to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year. I want to thank everyone who helped deliver this event, especially Governor Sisolak, the Clark County Commission, Steve Hill at the LVCVA, and our local partners.”
