Max Verstappen Threatens To Leave F1 As He Fires Warning New Changes
Max Verstappen, the Dutch racing driver who has won two F1 World Championships, has thrown down the gauntlet to Formula One, saying that he may leave the sport if it persists with its experiments on the race weekend format.
The introduction of the sprint race format in 2019, which was set to feature in six of the 23 rounds this year, has been a controversial issue. Formula One is now currently exploring changes to the sprint format, with a dedicated qualifying session being considered. The CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, has also stated his desire to reduce practice and increase competitive sessions in a bid to increase the weekend's entertainment value.
However, Verstappen has made it clear that he prefers the traditional grand prix weekend format. In a recent interview with the Portuguese television channel Sport TV, he said the following:
"I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement.”
The Dutch driver currently holds the longest contract on the grid, with his contract with Red Bull coming to an end in 2028. But despite this reason to stay, Verstappen has always been a vocal critic of the sprint race format and the sport itself if necessary.
“I’m not a fan of the sprint," he said last year. “It is what it is. Some like it, some don’t.”
Verstappen’s team principal, Christian Horner, has also weighed in, saying that the sprint races need to be "a bit more dynamic" to tidy up the format. While Formula One is still evaluating changes to the sprint format, Verstappen has sent a warning shot that he may not stick around if changes are made that he doesn't agree with.
As Verstappen himself put it, “I naturally, of course, hope that there won’t be too many changes, otherwise I won’t be around for too long.”
Formula One will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Verstappen's thoughts as it decides how to proceed with the future of the sport.