This weekend’s Las Vegas GP stands as a glittering enigma – a billion-dollar gamble for Formula 1 in the truest sense. It’s a venture that has elicited a mix of excitement, skepticism, and outright controversy. Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s team consultant and a veteran in the sport, is holding his cards close to his chest, reserving judgement on what this ostentatious event will bring to the table.
The history of Formula 1’s flirtation with Las Vegas dates back to 1981, under the stewardship of Bernie Ecclestone. However, the initial race, held in the less-than-ideal setting of the Caesars Palace casino carpark, didn’t quite capture the essence of the sport or the famous city. Ecclestone, now 92, is openly critical of Liberty Media’s flashy reboot of the Las Vegas GP, doubting its alignment with Formula 1’s core values and its long-term viability.
“I hope it’s a success but I’m not sure it’s long term,” Ecclestone remarked to Reuters, his words resonating with the uncertainty surrounding the event.
The new Las Vegas race has sparked debates, not just within the F1 community but also among the local populace, due to its disruption and the steep, elitist access prices. When probed about the suitability of a bustling American metropolis as a stage for the pinnacle of motorsport, Dr. Marko’s response to Osterreich newspaper is cautiously diplomatic. “I’m the wrong person to ask about that,” he said. “But we have to give the event with all of its glamour a chance. I’ll look at the whole thing first and give you my opinion later.”
His tentative approach extends to the logistical and climatic challenges the teams might face. The forecasted 10 degrees Celsius for the night races is uncharted territory for the current Formula 1 season. “That’s still cold,” Marko observes. “These are completely new conditions for the setup and so on.”
As for the track, its design strikes Marko as “similar to Baku,” and he is eager to see how its long straights will unfold in the real-world racing scenario.
Off the track, there’s some relief for Sergio Perez, Red Bull’s star driver, as the tension eases with his comfortable lead over Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings. “Checo is 32 points ahead of Hamilton,” Marko says. “That should be enough.”
The conversation with Marko shifts to Red Bull’s future prospects, with the signing of Oliver Goethe, a promising 19-year-old, to their esteemed driver development program. Marko’s endorsement of Goethe is cautious yet optimistic. “Good name, good guy,” he comments. While comparisons with the likes of Vettel or Verstappen are inevitable, Marko remains grounded. “He has a certain boldness,” he admits, “but I’ve given up on looking for a new Verstappen, because there’s no such thing. I’ll be happy if we just find a future grand prix winner.”
