Max Verstappen was quite critical of the Las Vegas Grand Prix prior to the event. He did not like the whole show around it and the Las Vegas Street Circuit was not exactly praised by the Dutchman either. A few days later, after the race he won, Verstappen sounded very different. Hypocritical, in Jolyon Palmer's opinion.

It all started before Formula 1 had even started properly in Las Vegas. Verstappen revealed prior to free practice that he had been feeling like a clown ahead of the GP weekend. Among other things, the 26-year-old driver was lifted up to have to wave to the fans. All unnecessary, in Verstappen's own opinion.

After the second free practice session, Verstappen revealed he did not enjoy driving on the circuit in the gambling city. The circuit was called 'Eredivisie', where Monaco is 'Champions League', according to Verstappen. Less than 48 hours later, Verstappen was singing 'Viva Las Vegas' over the board radio, complimenting the layout by telling the press present that he thought it was one of the better races of the season.

Palmer critical

"Frankly, some of the comments before this weekend - even during this weekend - were embarrassing. Max has been very critical of the event and it has been a huge success (...)," Palmer said. "Sometimes you have to promote a big event a bit. It's the first Las Vegas Grand Prix, and I know there was a lot to do about it. And I also know that the American way of doing things, the big driver introductions we have seen in the past, are not always to everyone's taste."

"But Formula 1 in the US is booming, two of the last Grands Prix we've had this year were great, Austin and then this one," he continued. "I just think we have to wait until we have the race to see if we like it or not. And overall it has turned out great. You can't say one minute this is a mess and then 50 laps later sing 'Viva Las Vegas' in an Elvis suit. Come on."