The sprint race weekends are in the third year of its existence. But this year, it will be introduced with a newer format on Saturday, during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Amidst this, Lando Norris, during the press conference, was asked what’s his opinion on it.
The McLaren race driver is happy with the new amendments made in the format from last year. According to him, it would bring in more entertainment. However, Norris thinks that it could be heavily stressful. Therefore, doesn’t want it to happen every weekend.
“You don’t want to damage the car in any way. I think it’s a better format, more opportunities for everyone. The pressure is higher, but I enjoy it more. I don’t want to have a sprint race every single weekend,” said Norris to media during the press-conference.
Norris on the revised sprint format:
“You don’t want to damage the car in any way. I think it’s a better format, more opportunities for everyone. The pressure is higher, but I enjoy it more.
I don’t want to have a sprint race every single weekend.”#F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/eSvXKowbmg
— Autosport (@autosport) April 27, 2023
Yuki Tsunoda echoes Lando Norris
Norris wasn’t the only driver who was asked about this question on Thursday. When Yuki Tsunoda was told to shed his opinion on it, he responded with the most comical approval.
The Japanese race driver was happy that he’ll straight get to go for the qualifying after waking up on Saturday. In the new format, sprint qualifying has replaced the Free Practice session 3.
Nevertheless, the new sprint format have received mixed reactions from both drivers and fans. But only after Saturday, the verdict of the entire new show would be know. Would that be accept by the fans? The F1 would be begging for it.
The champion Max Verstappen opposes too many changes
While two prominent drivers on the grid are in favor of the new format, the biggest name in F1 isn’t pleased by the incoming reforms. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was asked about his opinion on the new format.
The two-time world champion claimed that he understands why there are so many changes. However, if there are too many reforms made in the current F1 setup then he could even consider retiring.
This message was interpreted as an outright blackmail by the F1 champion. But to inject entertainment and maximizing revenue, the commercial right owners are currently going with their original plan.
