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Wolff: F1's "extraordinary" Las Vegas GP shows criticism was overblown

Mercedes' Toto Wolff says Formula 1's "extraordinary" event in Las Vegas shows that early criticism of the event was blown "out of proportion".

F1's much-anticipated return to Vegas got off to a bad start on Thursday when water valve covers were ripped up by Carlos Sainz' Ferrari and Alpine's Esteban Ocon, which halted FP1 after nine minutes and led to a long delay for FP2, by which time spectators were sent home.

FP1's track issues were met with a barrage of criticism from fans and media, which Wolff labelled as "completely ridiculous".

Mercedes was one of the teams that had bought significantly into F1's Vegas return with a bespoke hospitality unit, as the event was billed as a huge commercial coup for the series and its stakeholders.

After Saturday night's entertaining race, he felt the event had "ticked all the boxes".

"Lots of things that were said look a little bit out of proportion or too negative because we are leaving Las Vegas after a great weekend," he said.

"I think it will have increased the popularity of Formula 1 in the United States, for sure. There is nothing negative that I can find. 

He added: "The drain cover was nothing, like I said.
 
"When I look back at tonight; a spectacular race, great audiences, a mega event and some good racing at the front, that’s what I will remember of the inaugural Las Vegas race that ticked all of the boxes.” 

Source: Autosport

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