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‘Just scrap the whole thing’: Max Verstappen calls on F1 chiefs to dump the new sprint format – saying he was ‘BORED’ during the Baku shootout – as he goes on the warpath AGAIN after clashing with George Russell
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Max Verstappen has called on Formula One bosses to dump the ‘artificial excitement’ of the new sprint format introduced this weekend in Baku.
Ironically, the world champion was the most colourful part of Saturday’s sprint race, entangling in an on and off-track argument with George Russell.
But, after finishing third behind Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, Verstappen took aim at the schedule that was unanimously passed by the FIA, Formula One Group and the teams only last week. It has seen a second qualifying session added to determine the sprint grid. Qualifying for the grand prix itself took place on Friday.
‘Just scrap the whole thing,’ said Verstappen. ‘It is important to go back to what we had and make sure every team can fight for a win. That is what we have to try to aim for and not to implement this artificial excitement.
‘The sprint is hectic. It is not proper racing; it is more like gambling. I will have more success in Las Vegas when I go to the casino. I like racing, I am a pure racer and this is more for the show.
Max Verstappen has called on Formula One’s bosses to scrap this season’s new sprint format
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The disgruntled Red Bull driver described the new Sprint Shootout as ‘artificial excitement’ and insisted he was ‘bored’ during its introduction at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday
The world champion and George Russell clashed in a bust-up following the sprint race in Baku
Verstappen told the British driver to ‘expect next time the same’ after being cut up on the track
‘It feels like a football match when one team is winning 3-0 and then suddenly you just reset it to 0-0 and you go again. I find it unnecessary.’
Referring to the new sprint shootout, Verstappen added: ‘I got bored qualifying (on Saturday) to be honest.
‘I like to have one qualifying (for the grand prix) where you put everything in it. I did that yesterday (Friday), which I enjoyed, and then we had to do it again today and I was like, “My God, another qualifying.” I just don’t enjoy that.’
After Saturday’s running, most drivers lent their cautious approval to the new schedule, which will be in place at the five remaining sprint-race weekends, the next coming in Austria on July 2.
