Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen has faced backlash for his complaints about the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s scheduling, with former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde calling on him to stop “whining.” The criticism comes as Verstappen prepares to secure his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, potentially clinching the title in Las Vegas this weekend.
Verstappen’s Scheduling Complaints
Returning to action after a three-week break following his decisive win in Brazil, Verstappen has expressed frustration over the triple header schedule, which includes races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
The Dutch driver pointed to the significant 11-hour time difference between Las Vegas and Qatar as a key concern:
“At the end of the season, you are simply tired, and you can easily catch a flu. The long flight does not help with that.”
He called for F1 organizers to plan triple-header races closer together geographically, citing the physical toll on drivers as the season progresses.
Criticism from Giedo van der Garde
Van der Garde, a former Caterham F1 driver, dismissed Verstappen’s concerns, arguing that other team members face much greater challenges than the drivers themselves. Speaking on De Race Show, he said:
“Come on, man. You can just whine about it. It’s too cool to race in Las Vegas. It’s more a tough one for the mechanics, who go into the last weekend with bags under their eyes.”
Van der Garde emphasized that drivers, especially one in Verstappen’s position as a title contender, have fewer reasons to complain:
“If you’re immediately World Champion, you’re not interested. You’re going to sleep for 18 hours on the plane.”
Verstappen’s Path to the Title
Verstappen enters the Las Vegas GP with a commanding 62-point lead over Lando Norris. To secure the championship, Verstappen needs to remain at least 60 points ahead of Norris after the race.
Realistic About Red Bull’s Performance
Despite his dominant position, Verstappen remains cautious.
“At the moment, it’s difficult to tell. If you look at the last few races in the dry, we didn’t have the pace. We’re still not the quickest.”
While Verstappen acknowledges Red Bull’s struggles, he remains hopeful for a competitive performance in Las Vegas.
Why Las Vegas Matters for F1
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has been widely hailed as a spectacle, bringing glitz and glamour to the F1 calendar. However, the event has also sparked debates over its scheduling and logistical challenges.
The Bigger Toll on Teams
Van der Garde’s comments highlight a broader issue in F1: the immense workload placed on mechanics, engineers, and team personnel during back-to-back race weekends. While drivers like Verstappen face intense media scrutiny, team members often endure grueling schedules with less recognition.
What’s Next?
As Verstappen battles for his fourth world title, the Las Vegas GP promises excitement both on and off the track. However, debates over scheduling and the physical toll of the F1 calendar are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Will Verstappen overcome Red Bull’s recent struggles to claim victory in Las Vegas, or will the triple-header challenges derail his momentum? Fans worldwide will be watching as the championship drama unfolds under the neon lights of Nevada.
