'1% sporting event': Verstappen slams Las Vegas Grand Prix

LAS VEGAS: Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has blasted this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix as a "99 per cent show" and says he is not looking forward to the race.

The Red Bull three-time world champion criticised the new street course and said on Wednesday (Nov 15) he had no interest in the razzmatazz around the event.

"It's 99 per cent show and 1 per cent sporting event," said the Dutchman, when asked to evaluate the return of the sport to Vegas after a 41-year absence.

"Not a lot of emotions to be honest. I mean I don't like ... I just want to always focus on the performance side of things, I don't like all the things around it anyway," he said.

"I know of course there are some places that you know (it is) part of it, but let's say it's not my interest," he added.

Asked for his opinion on the street track, which will take the drivers down the famous Vegas "strip", Verstappen was blunt.

"Yeah, not very interesting ... it's just not many corners, to be honest," he said.

After taking part in the opening ceremony, which featured a drone show and music, the 26-year-old said he would not be attending Wednesday night's party.

When he was asked if he would at least be looking forward to Sunday's race, Verstappen's lack of enthusiasm was again evident.

"No. No, but I'm looking forward to trying to do the best I can, but I'm not looking forward to this," he said, pointing to the hospitality areas above the paddock.

Verstappen said he had not talked to the Formula 1 organisers about his views but said he doubted his views would have an impact on them.

"I don't know. I guess they still make money if I like it or not, so it's not up to me. But I'm also not going to fake it," he said.

"I just always voice my opinion in positive things