Despite approving the new format, Verstappen highlights the excessive wear and tear on those involved in F1
Max Verstappen, after winning the Sprint race dominantly at the Chinese Grand Prix, commented on Formula 1’s revised Sprint format for 2024, considering it an improvement, but warned that more weekends with Sprints “will take their toll on everyone ”. The new format, first tested during the Chinese Grand Prix, altered the schedule so that Sprint sessions took place before qualifying.
On Saturday morning the Sprint race was held, followed by the reopening of parc fermé to allow adjustments to the cars ahead of GP qualifying on Saturday afternoon. “The Sprint format was better, I think,” said Verstappen. “A little more direct, I would say. But yeah, let’s not overdo it either, you know, because we’re already doing 24 races a year, six of these Sprint events as well.”
Verstappen highlighted the additional pressure on mechanics and other team members: “I understand. I think it sells better and gives better TV numbers, but it’s also more stress for the mechanics and everything, to always get everything in order, so yes, we accept it, I mean, you have to deal with it, but let’s not think that now we need 12 of these because this is also going to take its toll on people.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who was also on the podium, and Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez emphasized the importance of limiting Sprints for the benefit of team personnel. Norris expressed a traditionalist view: “To be honest, I would always prefer the old, original racing format. It’s what I grew up watching, it’s what I always liked most.”
On the other hand, Perez added that with 24 rounds on the calendar, “the amount of stress that these Sprint events place on our mechanics is quite large. I think as a sport we really have to take care of our people, our mechanics. Because yes, we are definitely at the limit. I think this is a point to consider.”
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