Max Verstappen calls for the scrap of F1 Sprint format: “Boring”

Max Verstappen, the current Formula One world champion, has once again criticised the sprint race format, calling for it to be scrapped entirely. The new format was introduced for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, featuring a second qualifying session on Saturday morning, which determined the grid for the sprint race on Saturday afternoon. However, Verstappen was […]

Max Verstappen, the current Formula One world champion, has once again criticised the sprint race format, calling for it to be scrapped entirely. The new format was introduced for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, featuring a second qualifying session on Saturday morning, which determined the grid for the sprint race on Saturday afternoon. However, Verstappen was far from impressed with the new format and expressed his frustration during the post-race press conference.

The Dutch driver has been a vocal critic of the sprint format since it was introduced last season as a way to increase excitement and engagement among fans. Verstappen has often stated that he is not a fan of the sprint race format, preferring the traditional qualifying format, which takes place on a Friday.

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Verstappen’s frustration with the new format was compounded by his performance during the sprint race. The Red Bull driver started on the front row but was quickly overtaken by his teammate Sergio Perez and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, leaving him to finish the race in third place.

In the FIA press conference following the sprint, Verstappen explained why he found the format unappealing, saying: “It’s just boring, to be honest. Qualifying is already exciting, but now we have a second one. We are just doing qualifying again on Saturday morning, so why do we need it? I would prefer to have more free practice sessions so we can work on the car and not have to worry about another qualifying session.”

“Just scrap the whole thing. I think it’s just important to go back to what we have. Make sure that every team can fight for a win.

“That’s what we have to aim for and not implement all these kind of artificial excitement. I got bored in today’s qualifying to be honest.

“I like to have one qualifying where you put everything in it.

“That was yesterday, which of course I enjoy. Then they do it again today and I’m like ‘my god, another qualifying?’ I just don’t really enjoy that.”