Verstappen threatens to leave F1 if race weekend format continues to change
Max Verstappen threatens to leave F1 if race weekend format continues to change. As sprint races expand, the two-time world champion prefers traditional weekends. Verstappen's future in the sport may hinge on F1's decisions regarding the format.
After the announcement of potential changes to the Formula 1 race weekend format, two-time world champion Max Verstappen has expressed his discontent, hinting he might leave the sport if the changes continue.
The Red Bull Racing driver made his feelings clear in an interview with Portuguese television channel Sport TV.
Sprint Race Format Faces Expansion
The Formula 1 series introduced a sprint race format two years ago, and it will play a more significant role in this year's championship, with six of the 23 rounds featuring sprint races, up from three the previous year.
F1 is considering additional changes to the sprint format, which could be implemented as early as the first sprint weekend of the season in Baku in four weeks' time.
According to Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner, the sport is contemplating a dedicated qualifying session for the sprint race.
This news comes as F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has reiterated his intentions to reduce practice sessions at grand prix weekends and increase the number of competitive sessions.
Verstappen Prefers Traditional Race Weekend Format
Verstappen has made it clear he prefers the traditional grand prix weekend format, stating, "I'm happy with just the main race. I think that's way better for the excitement."
The Dutch driver warned, "I naturally, of course, hope that there won't be too many changes otherwise I won't be around for too long".
The two-time world champion has long criticized the sprint race format, expressing his dislike for it last year.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull was extended ahead of the previous season, securing him with the team until 2028.
The Future of Sprint Races in F1
While Formula 1 is known to be evaluating changes to its sprint format, no final decision has been made.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said that F1 needs to "tidy up the format for the sprint races coming up" to make them "a bit more dynamic."
He added, "I know that the sporting director has been working hard on that and hopefully we can get that finalized."
With Max Verstappen's recent comments, it remains to be seen how Formula 1 will proceed with the race weekend format changes and how this might impact the future of the sport.
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