F1 News: Max Verstappen Hits Back At Changes - "It Shouldn't All Be About Money"

Max Verstappen has always been a fan of the traditional format of Formula 1 and has hinted at his sprint race format dislike in the past. But, as the new format digs deeper into the sport, the Dutchman has raised his voice again. Though not totally against it, he says that the changes should be such that they "benefit the sport."

The statements come from him shortly after Sky F1 presenter David Croft suggested significant changes be made to the sprint race which, in his opinion, should have a separate championship of its own. Adding to the point, Croft said reserve drivers could race the sprint championship if the team's drivers were not interested.

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Verstappen has sort of hit back at the changes happening to the sport because he cares about it. Revealing that he has always been a fan of the "well-structured" traditional qualifying session, he questioned the changes being made and whether they were working well already.

He said that the adjustments should benefit Formula 1 and that it shouldn't be all about money. Verstappen opened up to De Telegraaf about people's perception of him earning a lot of money so there should be no reason for him to be complaining about the sport. But according to it him, it's not only about earning money. It's also about your well-being and the experience you get. He sometimes wonders if he is sacrificing too much and if all of that is worth it.

When asked why is he often critical of the current state of affairs in Formula 1 despite the third consecutive title seeming like a formality, Verstappen said:

“Yes, because I care about the sport that I've always enjoyed — and still enjoy, but to a certain extent.

"It's not that I'm completely against changes, as is sometimes claimed. But they should be adjustments that benefit Formula 1.

"Why change certain things if they're working well? I think a traditional qualifying session, as it is, is well-structured. It shouldn't all be about money.

"People might think: he earns a lot of money, what's that guy complaining about? But it's about well-being, how you experience things, not how much you earn. Sometimes, I feel like I have to do and sacrifice too many things. Then I sometimes think: is this still worth it?"

“The third consecutive title seems like a formality. Yet, you're often critical of the current state of affairs in Formula 1”

Max: “Yes, because I care about the sport that I've always enjoyed — and still enjoy, but to a certain extent.”

“It's not that I'm completely against… pic.twitter.com/9Q2hoqBkqa
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) August 19, 2023

Verstappen seems to be at that stage that is beyond winning because victory comes quite easily to him, thereby enabling him to look at other areas of work and life. Luckily, not only is he able to see through a lot but at the same time, it is nice of him to be speaking up for the sport and the fans who prefer the traditional race format.

This goes against the business aspect of F1 and people who have a vested interest in it from a pure profit-loss perspective which totally disregards the sport's true essence and originality. If he wanted, he could've chosen to just focus on the money and not care about the sport since he's going to benefit from it anyway. But, he chose to not be a mute spectator. And that is the mark of a true sportsman.

Verstappen's statements also suggest that he's had enough and is looking for an early retirement from the sport. The claim was made by the Red Bull racer himself who recently spoke about his investment plans away from F1, expected to materialise as early as 2025!

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