Verstappen finds choice of sprint format in China incomprehensible

The Formula 1 circus touches down in China in a fortnight's time. The last time a race was held at the Shanghai International Circuit was some years ago. Verstappen thus questions the sprint race scheduled for that weekend. "I don't think it's a good idea, let's put it that way," the Dutchman said after the Grand Prix in Japan.

It is common knowledge that Verstappen is no fan of sprint races anyway; the three-time world champion has expressed negative views on the shorter race format on several occasions. A sprint race in China is not at all to his liking either. "Yeah, it's very smart to do that. I think it's not great, let's say like that, to do that." Verstappen explains why that is so tricky: ''Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you're going to experience, right? So it would have been better to have a normal race weekend there.'' Verstappen says with a sense of irony, about a sprint weekend at a circuit that hasn't been there for years."

So despite not being a supporter, Verstappen understands the choice. "It probably spices things up a bit more, and that's maybe what they would like to see. But yeah, purely from a driving perspective, performance perspective of the sport, I think it's not the smartest thing to do," Verstappen concluded

Other podium finishers in Japan also no fan of sprint race in China

Sergio Perez also foresees a tough weekend in China. "I think for the show, probably it's good. It's a good thing. But I think from the preparation side, it's going to be definitely one that is going to be really hard."

Carlos Sainz also commented on the upcoming sprint race. "I think China as a race circuit is a great one. I think it's one of our favourite ones for everyone. It's just a great racing track and a track that offers a good possibility to overtake, so a Sprint makes sense to have it there. At the same time, it's what we said in the drivers’ briefing, we say to FIA and Formula 1, with these kinds of cars to go to a track with one hour of practice and straight into qualifying, with the regulations that they put us, with the plank wear and things like this, and how tricky one bump could make the car, I think it's not a good choice to choose to put the Sprint after four or five years absence," stated the Spaniard.