Max Verstappen has a solid track record in the Sprint; he won both of the prior competitions in 2022 at Imola and the Red Bull Ring.
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Prior to the F1 Sprint race’s return for the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has given an explanation of why he does not enjoy it. The Sunday main event’s grid is determined by the Saturday shortened race, which was spread out over three weekends in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, that number will rise to six. The final race of the current season will be the Sprint in Brazil, but Verstappen is not looking forward to it.
“For me, the weekend format [isn’t one that] I enjoy. I don’t mind the one practice and going straight into qualifying – I think it probably is even better for me. But there’s no feeling [in the Sprint races]. All the time when I do these races it’s all about, ‘Let’s not have damage, make sure that you stay in the top three. And for me, that’s not really a race, because [then] you go into the main race. There are way more points available there anyway, and you just risk anyway a bit more there.” Said Verstappen
“You do another start, probably that’s a bit of excitement. It’s only people who are really out of position [that] will move forward, because normally you put the tyre on, which just lasts the whole Sprint anyway, [go] the race distance and not much happens.” Added Verstappen.
Max Verstappen would want Formula One weekends to stick to the usual system of just one race. “I think we should just stick to one race. I don’t understand what the problem is with that, because I think we’ve had so many exciting races, so you don’t need to add one third of the race distance.” Expressed the Red Bull driver.
“Everyone is super careful anyway, because if you are fighting for third and you have a little touch and you drop back to be last, then your race on Sunday is going to be really tough. So [that means you’re] probably not going to risk it, and that’s not what a race should be about.” Added the Red Bull driver.
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Verstappen admits that the increased number of Sprint races in 2023 does not excite him, but he will do everything in his power to win each event. “[It’s] just a little bit less exciting, but we’ll still try to win it, of course,” the Dutchman added.
Verstappen has a solid track record in the Sprint; he won both of the prior competitions in 2022 at Imola and the Red Bull Ring. The 2021 British Grand Prix weekend saw the World Champion win the inaugural Sprint race as well.
