Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver from the Netherlands, expressed his disapproval regarding the decision to implement the Sprint format for the next Formula 1 race in China. Verstappen believes that this choice is not the smartest, stating it is not the smartest thing to do. The Chinese Grand Prix was a regular presence on the F1 calendar since its creation in 2004, but it was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. As a result, this will be the first time the Shanghai International Circuit will be used since the introduction of ground-effect cars. Furthermore, the recent resurfacing of the track has made the historical data collected by teams irrelevant. The inclusion of a Sprint race in China further complicated the teams’ preparations, as they will only have one hour of practice to adjust their cars. Verstappen, who has been vocal in his opposition to the revised schedule, openly criticized the decision-making process behind this choice. He believes it would have been better to have a normal race weekend at the track, considering the uncertainties that arise when returning to a circuit after a long period. However, he acknowledges that the Sprint format can add excitement to the event, although he believes it is not the smartest decision from a performance and driving perspective. Verstappen hopes that he and his team can quickly adapt to the track and minimize the need for extensive adjustments to his car.
The Sprint has undergone modifications each season since its introduction in 2021, and additional adjustments have been implemented for this year after complaints in the last season.
The Sprint Shootout, which was previously used to determine the grid for the shortened race, will now take place after FP1. The Sprint itself will occur the next morning before the qualifying session for the grand prix.
Furthermore, parc fermé regulations will be opened for the second time each weekend after the Sprint in order to avoid a repetition of the disqualifications that occurred in Austin.
However, Sainz argues that experiencing the reformulated format for the first time on unfamiliar tarmac could lead to a replication of the problems that occurred in October.
“I believe there are two separate aspects,” added Sainz. “I think China, as a racing circuit, is excellent. It’s a favorite for everyone.
“It’s a fantastic track for racing and offers ample overtaking opportunities, so it makes sense to have a Sprint there.
“At the same time, we have expressed to the FIA and Formula 1 that going to a track with only one hour of practice and immediately moving on to qualifying, with the regulations they impose on us, such as plank wear and the potential impact of a single bump on the car, I don’t think it’s a wise decision to reintroduce the Sprint after a four or five year absence.
“We have also heard that there has been resurfacing going on, so we may have an Istanbul 2.0 situation on our hands! Yes, hopefully not. It just highlights the uncertainty.
“Perhaps for those of you watching at home, it may be exciting, but for engineers and drivers, it’s something that, in my opinion, we should not risk and we should stick to a normal weekend.”
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