“It’s Not About Racing”: Max Verstappen Yet Again Launches Scathing Attack on F1 Sprint Races

Tanish Chachra | 01/04/2023
"It’s Not About Racing": Max Verstappen Yet Again Launches Scathing Attack on F1 Sprint Races

Formula 1, with the introduction of sprint races, has been excited about its expansion in the calendar. However, current world champion Max Verstappen isn’t happy with its growth in the sport.

Initially, when introduced, only three Grands Prix were obligated to organize them. But in 2023, six circuits have been selected to organize the added race.

With its inclusion, the F1’s management wants to add entertainment for the fans on all three days of the weekend. Therefore, the compressed race will only spread across the venues over the coming years.

Max Verstappen launches scathing attack at F1’s idea

The Dutch race driver, since the beginning, hasn’t favored the minimalized version of the main race that determines the grid positions for Sunday. He thinks it only forces drivers to survive and not race.

“It’s not worth it for me anyway. I’m not enjoying that. And for me, a Sprint race is all about surviving. It’s not about racing,” said Verstappen. “For me, when you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk.”

He argues even if F1 wants to change the format, sprint races aren’t the way to go. According to him, it’s contrary to F1’s DNA and is only ruining the experience for him.

Get the cars closer

Verstappen is comfortably ahead of every team on the grid with his majestic RB19. But he isn’t happy seeing such a one-sided affair in the sport. He advises the bosses to get the competition closer instead of finding ways to add fun.

He argues that it would be extraordinary if six or seven teams get to the level of fighting for the wins. He thinks that scenario would add more fun to the sport and spice up every Grand Prix weekend.

Though, it’s not like F1 hasn’t tried that. New regulations are introduced every few years to enhance grid competition. Alas, some team or the other manages to find the way around it and usually ends up making it a one-horse race.

In this millennium hardly, there has been a scenario when more than two teams are going for a title. Despite the cost cap, Red Bull seems to take the championship by storm.

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
Max Verstappen Red Bull

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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