Max Verstappen's Love for Tom Jones Song Shines at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 racing driver, has revealed that he is a big fan of Tom Jones and credits the Welsh crooner's song, Green Green Grass of Home, for his recent victories. During the Sao Paolo Grand Prix in Brazil, Verstappen had the song playing in his car as he crossed the finishing line in first place. Fans watching the race heard Verstappen reluctantly joining in with the lyrics, despite admitting that he is not much of a singer. The next race for Verstappen is at a new F1 street circuit in Las Vegas, which holds significance as it was home to Tom Jones' residencies for many years at the MGM Grand Hotel. The 26-year-old driver, who has won the last three F1 world championships, started his racing career accompanying his father Jos, who was also a Formula 1 driver. They used to listen to Tom Jones songs, including Green Green Grass of Home, while driving to karting meetings across Europe. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner asked Jos about Max's favorite song, and he revealed that it was indeed the 1966 hit by Tom Jones. This nostalgic connection to his younger self might explain Verstappen's love for the song, which is a yearning for a lost past. It is commonly believed that the song, with its mention of green grass, refers to Tom Jones' homeland of Treforest in Pontypridd, Wales, known for its green landscapes. However, the song was actually composed by American songwriter Claude "Curly" Putnam in 1964, inspired by the film The Asphalt Jungle. The song tells the story of a singer returning home to his loved ones, but it takes a dark twist when it is revealed that he is only dreaming. Jones came across the song on a Jerry Lee Lewis album and recorded his version, which became a chart-topper in the UK and reached number 11 in the US. Jones believes that the concept of the "green grass of home" resonates with people's nostalgia, as it reminded him of returning to Treforest and seeing how little had changed since his childhood. Verstappen's love for the song might stem from memories of his early travels with his father, albeit more on the road than green grass.