Max Verstappen challenges “not the smartest” choice to hold the return of the Chinese Grand Prix on a sprint weekend. Verstappen has questioned the reasoning behind the decision.
Max Verstappen has expressed doubts about the idea to turn this year’s Formula One Chinese Grand Prix into a sprint weekend.
After the Chinese Grand Prix was postponed for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula One is making its first visit back to the Shanghai International Circuit since 2019.
The decision to choose China as the opening of six sprint events this year has been questioned by current world champion and outspoken opponent of the sprint format, Max Verstappen.
When asked what he thought of the move, Verstappen sarcastically remarked, “Yeah, it’s very smart to do that.”
“It’s not a fantastic idea, in my opinion. It would have been better to have a regular race weekend there since, after being away from a circuit for a time, you never know what to expect.
However, it likely adds a little more spiciness, which is perhaps what they would prefer to see. However, in terms of driving and performance in the sport, I don’t think it’s the best course of action.
“We’ll see what results we obtain. I’ve always enjoyed driving there, so maybe we can get off to a good start and not have to make too many adjustments to the vehicle.
saying, “I just hope that there are no issues with the track, with any drain holes, or any issues like that,” in reference to his Red Bull teammate.
We’ll simply get out of step with it. However, I believe it’s probably beneficial for the program. It’s advantageous.
“However, I believe that in terms of preparation, it will be extremely difficult because, well, I have never raced there, like with Red Bull, so there will be a lot to cover in one practice.”
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari stated that it “makes sense” to host a sprint event in China, but he also raised issues with the lack of preparation for a track that has not seen Formula One cars operate on for a number of years.
“I think China as a race circuit is a great one, I think it’s one of our favourites for everyone,” he stated. “That’s
just a fantastic racetrack with plenty of opportunities to pass, therefore it makes logical to host a sprint there.
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