Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with sprint races
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the sprint race format introduced in Formula One in 2021. Following his pole position win at Albert Park, Verstappen voiced his concerns about the continued inclusion of the sprint format in the race weekends. He warned that expanding the sprint race format may lead him to quit the sport altogether.
The sprint race format replaces traditional qualifying, and Friday’s second practice session is used for the sprint race. F1 introduced this format at Silverstone in 2020 and increased it to six races this season. However, this move has been met with mixed reactions from drivers, teams, and fans.
Discussions on improving sprint races
The topic of sprint races has dominated discussions in Melbourne, with F1 in talks with teams and the FIA to improve its composition. F1 is considering changing the format by holding a second qualifying session on Saturday morning to make up the grid for the sprint. The proposed changes will replace practice two on Saturday morning and set the grid for the sprint race.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has criticized this move by calling it “ludicrous” to hold a sprint race on a high-speed street circuit where chances of major damage are high. Teams are in favor of splitting the sprint race from the grand prix, and Horner hopes that the format for sprint races can be tidied up to be more dynamic.
Verstappen’s opinion on proposed changes
Verstappen disapproves of these proposed changes, arguing that they go against “the DNA of Formula One” and are about surviving rather than racing. He believes that reducing the weekend to only racing on Saturday and Sunday would make those two days more exciting. The Dutchman further stated that the key to improving F1 is to ensure more teams can fight for wins, which will increase the action rather than adding more races.
Verstappen prefers keeping his car alive to make sure he has a good race car for Sunday. He thinks that Formula One is not about doing sprint races but getting the most out of it in qualifying and having an amazing Sunday over a long race distance. Verstappen believes that the DNA of Formula One is not to do sprint races.
F1’s view on the sprint race format
F1 believes that the sprint format is a success. However, fans have been less enamored, and some drivers agree with Verstappen’s opinion that fewer races would be better. Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, cautioned against making any swift changes and instead suggested taking the right decisions for the long term and avoiding swings between mania and depression.
Verstappen’s warning about quitting the sport if these proposed changes take place will be a significant concern for F1 bosses as they continue to weigh up their options ahead of next season.
In conclusion, although F1 is trying its best to improve its composition and attract more audiences with these changes, there are still debates going on within the community. Only time will tell whether these efforts will pay off or not.
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