The Red Bull driver overcame a collision and a penalty to win a thrilling, action-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 aga🙈inst 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 Champions League and this is National League,” said Verstappen, who added: "I feel like a show element i🦹s important, but I lack emotion.”

The Dutchman was ꧅much happier following his latest F1 triumph, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner suggesting after the Saturday evening’s race that Verstapp🌄en had “changed his mind about Vegas”. 

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

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

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

Ver🃏stappen broke out into a rendition of Elvis👍 Presley’s 1964 hit ‘Viva Las Vegas’ over team radio following his victory. 

“Christian put me on the spot so I cannot leave him hanging𝓀!” Verstappen laughed. 

“I h🉐ave 🉐to sing. But I definitely need some lessons. So I need to go to Geri [Halliwell-Horner] and book an appointment I guess.”