Verstappen gives Formula One homework: 'I always feel'

The Formula 1 season will have as many as six sprint races in 2023, continuing the motorsport class's established path of the past two years. Max Verstappen likes having more competition on the race weekend, although he does allow some rule changes. He let it be known to The Mirror.

Next season, the format will be seen in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, the United States (Austin) and Brazil. It means that drivers and teams will hardly get any preparation time during these race weekends. Qualifying already takes place after the first free practice session, while only one practice session is also scheduled on Saturday.

Verstappen critical of concept

For Verstappen, however, adapting himself is no problem. The Dutchman finds sprint races in Formula 1 positive, as it allows the drivers to give more to the spectators. At the same time, he believes the concept is too risky, requiring some adjustments to the rules.

"I do like having one practice session and then straight to qualifying, I don't mind that because it's less practice for everyone to get fully up to speed and then you really need to nail the setup. So that's okay, but I always feel when I go into a Sprint race that you're not really risking a lot because you want to play safe," he noted.