Max Verstappen predicts ‘a few surprises’ at Las Vegas Grand Prix with F1 stars taking on spectacular new circuit
THREE-TIME Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has predicted “a few surprises” at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The iconic strip is set to play host to F1 for the first time in its stunning new iteration from November 17-19.
Speaking to the media following his recent win at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Verstappen admitted that “There’s still a lot to do,” before they made their way to Nevada.
The Dutchman added: “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 3.8-mile track is set to include seventeen corners and three straights, according to F1.
It will make its way down the legendary strip, past the Bellagio, Mirage, and Caesars Palace while also circling The MSG Sphere.
The newly constructed street circuit could reportedly see average speeds of 212 mph.
Verstappen explained: “It’s going to be very different to [Sao Paulo], very low temperatures, of course in the night there.
“[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.”
It would come as no surprise, however, if the Red Bull star clinched his seventeenth win of the season in Nevada given his dominant form this year.
Downtown Las Vegas also has previously played host to F1 in 1981 and 1982.
The 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix was the last of the season, taking place on a makeshift course in a car park.
Alan Jones went on to claim the win for Williams, with Renault’s Alain Prost in second and Alfa Romeo’s Bruno Giacomelli in third.
The following year, Tyrrell’s Michele Alboreto beat McLaren’s John Watson to the chequered flag, with Ligier’s Eddie Cheever rounding out the top three at his home race.