Mercedes will be banking on Lewis Hamilton this weekend as he attempts to seize second spot in the F1 standings from Sergio Perez but Toto Wolff appears to have already cashed out ahead of the Las Vegas GP
Toto Wolff has slapped a team-wide betting ban on Mercedes ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
F1 rolls into Nevada for the penultimate race of the 2023 campaign. It is the first time that the city will host the sport, with the race taking place on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
This season’s winnings have already been cashed out to Dutchman Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff will hope that Lewis Hamilton still has an ace to play as he attempts to overtake Red Bull ’s Sergio Perez in the driver’s standings.
He comes into this weekend’s race off the back of a difficult weekend in Sao Paulo. Hamilton could only finish eighth at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, over a minute behind winning driver Verstappen.
While Wolff will be keeping a close eye on the track, he is ensuring that there are no further distractions in Sin City by banning everyone from taking a spin on any roulette tables throughout the weekend. Speaking to Motorsport.com Spain, he said: “I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race.
“Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race. I don’t think I’m the only one in Formula One who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around.
“We have no idea how to get to and from the hotel and the circuit, but I have no doubt that we will figure something out. I’m excited about the upcoming race.
“As I said, I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but we’ll do our best to make sure everyone in the team stays away from the casinos – I don’t gamble and I’ll make sure no one else gambles either,” he continued, discussing the possibility of any betting.
Wolff seems excited about the race this coming weekend, but it seems that not everyone feels the same way. Verstappen is not entirely convinced about the trip to the USA, as he has already expressed his thoughts.
According to Planet F1, he stated, “First of all, if you look at the layout of the track, I think we are there more for the show than the racing itself.” However, I must admit that I’m not really that into it. More like, I’ll go there, take care of business, and then disappear once more.
F1 will travel to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for the season’s last race after this weekend’s race in Las Vegas. Between Hamilton and Perez, who is currently in second place, there are still 32 points.
Mercedes is also attempting to maintain their position as second in the Constructor’s Standings. They are ahead of Ferrari by 20 points at the moment.
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