F1 News: Fernando Alonso Calls For Balance After Hectic Las Vegas Schedule

Fernando Alonso doesn't mind the glamour as long as there's enough time in hand.

Unlike Max Verstappen who wasn't too happy about the opening ceremony in Las Vegas, Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso said that he'd be happy to be a part of such a spectacle, as long as Formula 1 adds more balance to the demanding schedule. 

On top of the Las Vegas Grand Prix being a night race, the drivers had more tasks to accomplish, which included being a part of a grand opening ceremony that introduced the F1 drivers team by team, to the American audience. The show also included a light spectacle and performances by Kylie Minogue and Will.i.am to name a few. Not to forget the Netflix Cup golf tournament that a few drivers took part in.

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However, amidst the hurrah and grandeur of the event, Verstappen disliked the "show." Later on, here's what he had to say about it to the media:

“For me, you can skip this.

"We are just standing up there, looking like a clown. I mean, yeah…

“I’m also not going to fake it, I just always voice my opinion on positive things and negative things. That’s just how I am.

“Some people like the show a bit more, I don’t like it at all.”

However, considering Formula 1's return to the Strip after nearly four decades, the cost of hosting the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix peaked at around $500 million. Alonso justifies the grand opening spectacle by revealing that he doesn't mind any of it. But, he would've liked a more balanced approach to an otherwise hectic schedule. He said:

“I have to say that places like this one and with the investment that has been done on the place that we are racing, it deserves a little bit different treatment and a little bit extra show of what we did today or what the weekend is going to be.

“I’m okay to do an extra for these type of events, but maybe it could be balanced somehow and reduced maybe our schedule somewhere else.”