The sprint format applies to the Brazilian GP for the third and final time this Formula 1 season. World champion Max Verstappen is not a fan of it.
A.D
the essentials in short
- The third sprint race of the year takes place at the Brazilian GP this weekend.
- World champion Max Verstappen is not a fan of the new format.
- Due to the high risk, drivers would act too cautiously, according to the Dutchman.
Formula 1 fans will have to adapt to a different format over the weekend for the Brazilian GP: qualifying for the third and final sprint race of the season will take place on Friday. The sprint on Saturday then determines the starting grid on Sunday.
Do you like sprint races in Formula 1?
Starting next season, these sprint weekends will take place six times a year instead of the previous three. So far, the change hasn’t been well received by fans. And double world champion Max Verstappen isn’t even convinced of the sprint format.
Max Verstappen criticizes the sprint format
“It’s just a matter of not being damaged and staying in the top three. It’s not a race,” reproached the two-time world champion after the Mexican GP. The format did not lead to more actions, quite the contrary.
«You know very well that on Sunday there are only big points. So you don’t take any risks, ”the Dutchman said. “Nobody wants to go back to last place due to a touch in the sprint and start from behind in the Grand Prix.”
The only thrill is when one of the best riders falls behind in the sprint. “We have a second start, it’s exciting. But only the riders who start further back than usual can really make up positions. Otherwise little happens, ”says Max Verstappen.
Six sprint races next year, but where?
“I don’t really understand why we need sprints. This year we have had such exciting races, “says the Dutchman. The sprint races at Imola and on the Red Bull Ring have not been very eventful this season.
The FIA still sticks to the long-term sprint format. It has not yet been decided where the six races on Saturday will take place next season. Imola and Brazil were also venues last year and in 2021 a sprint was also held at Silverstone.
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