In the 2023 Formula 1 season, the sprint races will be increased to six. Something that the current champion does not like, Max Verstappen. He prefers traditional races and points out that this format only brings inconveniences due to the many risks that a possible accident has.
In statements before Mexican Grand Prixwhere his teammate, Sergio Pérez, races at home, explained: “In the sprint races I’ve done so far, the goal has always been not to damage the car and finish in the top three. It’s not my concept career”.
“Did you know the real points are given on sunday and that if you really have to risk something, you do it on Sunday, not in the sprint race”, says the Dutch driver.
“Yes, there is one more start, but it’s just a few drivers who are out of their usual order that can you do some advance because, otherwise, we all have a set of tires with which we get to the checkered flag”, comments the Red Bull team driver.
He even points out that he sees sprints as “unnecessary”: “I think we should limit ourselves to the main race, the grand prix. I don’t understand what the problem is because in the last few races we have had many exciting races. I don’t think it is necessary to add a 100km race.”
“If you can’t take risks, as far as I’m concerned, it’s not a real race. And the concept of pole position is resized because whoever achieves it says: ‘Ok, but then there’s the sprint race.’ when you finish in the top three, there is a podium that is not a podium. It would be nice if they gave you a medal, but to tell the truth, I don’t know what they should do, “says Verstappen.
The two-time Formula 1 champion is one of the most authoritative voices on the grid. It seems that the competition wants add more emotion with these Saturday races, but Verstappen believes that they only bring inconvenience. The reality is that the difference in points is minimal.