Max Verstappen says he ‘won’t be around for too long’ if Formula 1 adds more sprint races to calendar

ByNigel Chiu

Published 01/04/2023 at 10:38 GMT

Max Verstappen says he is “not a fan” of Formula 1’s sprint format “at all” after suggesting he could walk away from the sport if more changes are made. Verstappen has been vocal in his opposition for the concept, that was introduced in 2021, over the last two years. The sprint format has had mixed reception on the Formula 1 paddock and will be used for the first time this season in Baku.

Max Verstappen has revealed he “won’t be around for too long” if Formula 1 adds more sprint races to the calendar.

Formula 1 introduced the sprint format in 2021, with three events hosting a sprint on the Saturday.

Last year there were also three sprints but for this season, there will be six at the Azerbaijan, Austrian, Belgian, Qatar, United States and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.

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“I hope there won’t be too many changes, otherwise I won’t be around for too long,” said Verstappen ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. “I am not a fan of it at all.

"When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races.

“I understand they want to make every day exciting but they should reduce the weekend, and only qualify and race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.

“We are heading into seasons where we could have 24 or 25 races and if you then start adding more it is not worth it for me. I will not enjoy that.”

Max Verstappen

Image credit: Getty Images

The sprint format sees qualifying moved to Friday afternoon, with one less practice session taking place during the weekend.

The result of qualifying sets the grid for Saturday’s 100km sprint, with the result of the short race setting the starting order for the main Grand Prix on Sunday.

The top eight in the sprint score championship points, with the normal points system being used for the Grand Prix.

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Verstappen, who is on pole position for the Australian Grand Prix, believes adding more racing doesn’t improve the quality of the sport.

“A sprint race is all about surviving and not racing,” he explained. “It’s not worth taking a risk when you have a quick car. I prefer to keep my car alive to make sure I have a good race car for Sunday.

“Even if you change the format, I don’t find it is in the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kind of sprint races.

“F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and have an amazing Sunday over a long race distance.

“The action has been good and how do you get even more of it? Getting the cars closer and having more teams fighting for wins – six or seven of them. That would be insane and then you wouldn’t need to change anything.”

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