Verstappen unmoved by sprint format change · RaceFans

Max Verstappen says Formula 1’s revised sprint format won’t make him more willing to take risks in the races.

He has been one of the most outspoken critics among F1 drivers of the sprint race format. “For me a sprint race is all about surviving,” he said at the last race in Australia. “It’s not about racing.

“For me, when you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk. I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure that you have a good race car for Sunday.”

Formula 1 has introduced a significant change to the format for 2023. The sprint race has become a ‘standalone’ event which does not set the grid for the grand prix.

There will now be two qualifying sessions during a race weekend. The first on Friday will set the starting order for Sunday’s grand prix, while another on Saturday will decide the grid for the sprint race, held on the same day.

The revisions are intended to address the criticism made by Verstappen and others that the sprint races tend to be processional. However Verstappen said it won’t change his approach to the races.

The Red Bull driver said the potential reward of an extra point for gaining a place by overtaking a rival would be outweighed by the risk of damaging his car in a collision. Due to the budget cap, that could force a team to spend money on repairs which would otherwise be used to develop and improve the car.

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“There is, of course, a little bit more risk involved now with the qualifying and stuff,” said Verstappen. “But I think when you look at the sprint race itself, I think the risk will be the same because you don’t want to potentially damage your car, which then of course also influences the development of the car. I would rather lose one point than lose development.”

Despite the criticisms of Verstappen and others, F1 remains dedicated to the sprint race concept and will use it at twice as many rounds this year – a total of six. Verstappen said he isn’t disappointed F1 hasn’t responded to his concerns over the format.

“At the end of the day everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But sometimes, of course, what I think is right some people don’t agree with. But I just think as a pure racer, what is right.

“I think when you’re running a business, it’s sometimes different, what is right. It’s just a difference in opinion.”