Verstappen hopeful: "I hope it pays off"

Formula 1 announced earlier this week that drivers can expect a number of sprint races this season. Although it is questionable whether it makes the sport more fun and better, Formula 1 is keen to try it out.

Max Verstappen hopes that the sprint races will provide additional spectacle, although the Dutchman has yet to see what the consequences will be. "I hope it will be interesting, but at the same time I hope it doesn't foreshadow all of Sunday," he stated in conversation with Ziggo Sport. "In general, of course, the fastest car is at the front. Even if very crazy things have to happen."

However, the Red Bull driver wants to approach the idea positively and look at the possibilities. "If you can choose the tyre you're going to start on, I hope it's going to be something. I'm not against it either, but we have to wait and see how it goes. It will also depend a bit on the track, so we'll just see."

Verstappen set two second fastest times in the first two free practice sessions on Friday afternoon. During the first practice session he had to accept Valtteri Bottas, but a few hours later Lewis Hamilton was too fast. Despite this the teams are very close to each other heading into Saturday's qualifying session.