Martin Brundle slams Max Verstappen for his negative comments about the Las Vegas Grand Prix... as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says the world champion 'hates all the pomp and bulls*** in Formula One'

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has come under fire from Martin Brundle over his persistent complaints about the Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

Verstappen has made his feelings clear in the lead-up to the race, criticising the event for putting more focus on the shows and concerts surrounding the Grand Prix rather than the race itself. 

Sunday's race is the first to be held in the iconic US city since 1982 and Sin City's famous strip has been turned into a $500million track. 

Yet, the pageantry hasn't gone down with the Dutchman who has labelled the event '99 percent spectacle and one percent sport'.

However, his comments have been blasted by Sky Sports Martin Brundle, who feels that Verstappen's feelings should have been kept to himself. 

'If he doesn't like it, I'm not sure he needs to say anything at all.' Brundle said. 

'I was a bit disappointed with that, because standing on a rostrum coming up and waving, a lot of adulation from the fans, it's not the worst job in the world is it? It's not that difficult. You're not on shift work or down the mines or something. So I don't understand why he feels so negative about it.'

Verstappen complained about the star-studded open ceremony, miserably remarking the show as 'skippable' and admitting he felt like a 'clown' watching  performances from Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am and John Legend. 

When asked about his driver's comments, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner came to the defence of Verstappen and stated he's only here to win races. 

'What you've got to understand is that Max is a racing driver,' Horner explained to Sky Sports.

'He hates all the pomp and bulls*** that goes with being a Formula 1 driver. He just wants to drive the car. He doesn't crave fame or adulation or anything like that. And I think that he's just a bit uncomfortable with, if you like, the showbiz element that's introduced to this race.' 

The 26-year-old will, who bagged the 2023 title with six races remaining will start second on the grid behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and the Frenchman has also hit out at the showmanship of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

 'You always need to find the right balance between show and sport, and that is why I am not so happy about the show [planned for] before the race, because this is a time when we need to focus on what really matters, which is racing.'