Las Vegas Grand Prix in better shape after ironing out inaugural

Associated Press Las Vegas: There's never been a faster, more jaw-dropping 180-degree turn than the one Max Verstappen took a year ago at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Dutchman hated the event even before he arrived  residents were also outraged, but for different reasons and argued that Liberty Media's F1 portfolio showcase had become a spectacle instead of a sporting event. The enormous, illuminated Sphere on the Strip rotated driver images, and prices for anything from tickets to hotel rooms were costly. Liberty is believed to have spent nearly USD 1 billion to promote its first Formula 1 event. (Much of that money was spent on one-time costs like land acquisition, a permanent pits building and road repaving).

Verstappen, closing in on his third consecutive championship last November, was in a sour mood even before the opening ceremony. LED lighting, an expansive drone show and musical acts were all in front of an estimated 30,000 spectators until finally drivers were elevated from inside elaborate boxes/ stages to be introduced in their firesuits. There were plenty of bumps from there, including a valve cover that popped off a manhole during the first practice and nearly destroyed Carlos Sainz's car. But, by the time Verstappen crossed the finish line for his 18th win of the season, he was singing “Viva! Las Vegas!” on his radio. And, his grin was enormous as he watched the massive fireworks display over the Strip.

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