F1 News: Max Verstappen Speaks Out On Latest Rule Change Ahead Of 2024 Season
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen praised the Formula 1 Sprint race format for the first time after changes were made to the old format to make it more exciting. The Dutchman held a reputation for disliking Sprint races since their introduction in 2021, after being quite vocal about it on many occasions.
Key Takeaways:
- Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who previously criticized Formula 1 Sprint races, now praises the revamped Sprint race format after recent changes aimed at making it more exciting.
- Formula 1 and teams collaborated to refine the Sprint format, consulting experts and ultimately deciding to move Sprint qualifying to Friday.
- Verstappen welcomes the changes, finding the new format more logical. He appreciates the changes to Parc Ferme after the Sprint race, providing teams with the opportunity to adjust car setups, a relief for drivers like Verstappen.
Formula 1 and the teams had been brainstorming on Sprint format changes for quite some time. Though several experts were consulted over the matter to make the format more 'likable', the sport recently zeroed down on changes that received praise from the three-time world champion.
Speaking of the changes, F1 has decided to move the Sprint qualifying to Friday after Free Practice 1. Saturday will feature the Sprint race before the qualifying session for the Grand Prix, followed by race day on Sunday.
Since the order for all events is chronological in nature, Verstappen has favored the Sprint format this time. Speaking to the media, he said:
“I think it's a bit more logical, I would say with how the format is formed.
“For me I don't get more excited by winning a sprint or fighting for these kind of races. But at least a bit more logical I would say.”
One big relief for not only Verstappen but several other F1 drivers and teams is the changes to parc ferme after the Sprint race, leaving the option for teams to change the setup on their cars after the Sprint race. Verstappen added:
“I think that's a bit better.
“Sometimes you get stuck, you know that your weekend is ruined you know you can't really change anything.
"So for sure it will help a bit.”
