This weekend, Formula 1 returns to the bright lights of Las Vegas, once again shutting down the iconic Las Vegas Strip for the Grand Prix.

The 2023 race marked F1’s return to the city after a 41-year absence, with Max Verstappen taking the victory. This year the Dutchman heads into the weekend with a strong chance to secure his fourth world championship title after a dominant performance in Brazil earlier this month.

Despite the excitement around the event, The Las Vegas GP, which is promoted directly by Formula 1, has sparked debate. Some critics felt the inaugural race prioritized spectacle over the sport itself. Issues like a loose drain cover raised concerns about circuit safety, and the high ticket prices and disruptions to local businesses only added to the controversy.

Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has been vocal about not being a fan of the flashy atmosphere that surrounds the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, he would certainly welcome a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship for Verstappen.

"It's not that great,” he told oe24.

“This crazy city, where you keep passing all these slot machines in the lobby of your hotel, the night race.

“Last year we were lucky that the race was great, but the event as a whole failed to live up to the high expectations.”

He continued: “The race is also not welcomed by the locals because almost everything is cordoned off.

“You have to take huge detours to get anywhere, and because of the poor connections of the flights to and from Las Vegas, we also have to arrive a day earlier than usual.”

Las Vegas will begin the first of three consecutive race weekends to end the season. Regarding that, Marko expressed his concerns, describing the triple-header to wrap up the year as crazy.