“I don’t enjoy it in a Formula 1 car”: Max Verstappen has his say on F1 introducing more street circuits to calendar

Over the last few years, fans have often criticized the inclusion of street circuits on the calendar. The races have not been as exciting as the ones on proper racing tracks, and the lack of action for two hours frustrates the people who tune in to watch some exciting racing. Max Verstappen, too, agrees with the fans on this matter.

F1 cars nowadays are a lot bigger and heavier which makes overtaking in general difficult. Even in proper circuits, overtaking has become increasingly limited because the cars don’t get enough space to go wheel to wheel. In spite of this, F1 has introduced a lot of street circuits into the calendar over the last few years, which Verstappen does not want.

During a conversation with Viaplay: F1 Talks, the Dutchman shared his thoughts on the current design of F1 cars and how they make driving on the streets unenjoyable. “A Formula 1 car is not designed to drive on a street track,” he said. “A Formula 1 car comes alive in proper high-speed corners.”

The two-time World Champion added that he doesn’t mind a few street races in a year, but urges Liberty Media to not make a habit out of it.

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Max Verstappen urges F1 to stop adding street circuits to the calendar

One of the most iconic races on the calendar today is the Monaco Grand Prix. The race held annually in the principality is iconic because of its rich history and the fact that the layout of this street track has been almost unchanged over the years.

However, despite having such a historical significance on the calendar, plenty of fans want it gone. The lack of racing & overtaking action in Monaco have led to fans labeling the races as boring. On the other hand, drivers don’t want Monaco removed from the schedule. Verstappen, who won the Monaco GP in 2021, agrees with his fellow F1 drivers.

Verstappen does not mind having Monaco and a few other races in the calendar. However, he does not want newer venues to be added, since it takes the fun out of racing.

“I understand a few street circuits a year,” he said. “It’s exciting, blah blah blah, and it’s good. But not too many. “It’s better to have the old-school tracks, like Suzuka as well. A qualifying lap around there is so much more fun than a random street circuit.”

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F1 to introduce another street circuit in 2023

Over the last few years, we saw the addition of newer street circuits to the F1 calendar like Jeddah and Miami. Starting 2023, we will have yet another city in Las Vegas join the list.

These three races along with Monaco, Singapore and Baku mean that there will be six races held in street circuits next year.