Verstappen not full of risk in sprint race: 'You won't become champion here'

This weekend's British Grand Prix offers six more points than a normal race weekend. In the sprint race there are points (3, 2 and 1) waiting for the top three, but will the drivers take risks to win them?

Risks of the sprint race

The sprint race is a new phenomenon in Formula 1. It is part of F1's plan to make the sport more attractive to viewers. Qualifying is on Friday, whilst on Saturday we get a sprint race. This race determines the starting order for Sunday's race, but the top three also get points. It's a trial idea, but could become more regular in the future.

''Such a sprint race can be risky. You have to weigh up the risks'', says Max Verstappen according to the NOS. ''We are fighting for the title and a sprint race is probably not going to determine who becomes champion. Of course I want to win it and I don't want to finish lower than third. You have to take chances. Even if it only yields a few points.''

Verstappen not worried

There is also a chance that the drivers could suffer damage or a crash and has to start from the back of the grid for the main race, but the Red Bull Racing driver isn't worried about that at all, he told the press conference.

''That's out of your control and that's why I don't think about it. I don't expect them to drive really aggressively. On Saturday you are mainly concerned with getting a good starting position for the Grand Prix'', concluded the Dutchman.