The Red Bull driver overcame a collision and a penalty to win a thrilling, acti🐬on-packed race on F1’s return to Las Vegas and claim a record-extending 18th win of the 2023 season. 

But for much of the weekend, Verstappen had been the loudest voice against Las Vegas, describing the race as “99% show and 1% sporting🍌 event” on Wednesday. 

Verstappen went on to say he didn’t enjoy the brand new circuit after Thursday’s practice sessions and likened it💯 to the “National League” following qualifying. 

"Monaco is like🌃 Cha🤪mpions League and this is National League,” said Verstappen, who added: "I feel like a show element is important, but I lack emotion.”

The Dutchman was much happier following his latest F1 triumph, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner sug🌞gesting afte𒐪r the Saturday evening’s race that Verstappen had “changed his mind about Vegas”. 

“We🃏ll I always expected it to be a good race today,” Verstappen said in the post-race press conference when asked if he stood by his previous comments, or if Vegas had now won him over. 

“Long strai𓃲ghts, low speed corners, you don’t lose a lot of downforce. That’s never been my issue. Today was fun. That’s the only thing I want to say about. 

“Today was fun, I hope everyone enjoyed it. I think the DRS effe▨ct was strong but good. It made it for fun 🌠racing out there.”

Verstappen broke out into a rendition of ♓Elvis Presley’s 1964 hit ‘Viva Las Vegas’ over team radio f🃏ollowing his victory. 

“Christian put me on the spot so I cannot leave him hanging!” Verst🐈appen ꦏlaughed. 

“I have to sing. But I definitely need some lessons. So I need to go to Geri [Halliwell-Horner] and book a💧n appointment I g⛦uess.”