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Max Verstappen Lashes Out at FIA Over Recent Decision With Harsh Criticism: “I’m Not a Fan of It at All”

Published 04/09/2023, 5:00 AM EDT

Only the one with the will to change something has the right to criticize that thing. Max Verstappen has always been a critic of a decision made by FIA for 2021. FIA has now made changes to that decision provoking the two-time-world champion even more. Max Verstappen supported his criticism with some facts and mentioned the fact that he’s not at all a fan of the decision. Let’s find out what the decision is and how Verstappen backed his criticism.

F1 and FIA introduced sprint races to the race weekend back in 2021. For the initial two years, only three races during the year had the sprint. Both the teams and the drivers were skeptical about the introduction of this new format. The sprint increases the load on the team during the weekend as they have a lot more they need to prepare for. For the 2023 season, F1 has announced six venues for the sprint. Some drivers are now in the favour of the sprint while others resent it.

Max Verstappen is one of those drivers who resent the sprint race format. Verstappen is of the belief that the sprint intensifies the weekend a lot and, with 2023 being the longest F1 season, it might be too much for the teams and drivers to handle. The Dutchman understands that FIA is trying to make every day of the weekend, including Fridays, more interesting but thinks that it is better to have a two-day race weekend than adding and testing new formats.

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According to Motorsports.com, Max Verstappen said “I’m not a fan of it at all,” “I think when we’re going to do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes even more intense and we’re already doing so many races. I think that is not the right way to go at it. I understand, of course, they want to have basically every day exciting, but then I think maybe it’s better to just reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.”

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Max Verstappen’s wish might actually come true as FIA is already thinking about reducing the practice sessions to only one. However, there are drivers who are in favor of the sprint and actually like it. George Russell is one of those and has expressed his thoughts on the same.

George Russell expresses his thoughts on Sprint Races

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While Max Verstappen showed resentment towards action every day of the race weekend, George Russell is of the exact opposite thought. The Briton mentioned that initially, even though he was skeptical of the idea but it has grown on him and he enjoys it now. He explained how boring it is for the fans to see the practice. The sprint spices things up for the team, the drivers, and the fans.

According to Motorsport.com, George Russell said, ” When the sprint race was introduced in the beginning I wasn’t a fan. After doing [six] of them, I’ve become more in favour. Having action every single day, also for fans in the crowd… Just watching cars circulating in practice, I don’t think it’s as exciting as when you have a qualifying session like this or a sprint race. So I think it’s exciting for us, for the teams, and for the fans.”

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Watch this story: F1 Stars Max Verstappen & George Russell Enjoy Miami Heat’s Dominant Surge at NBA Playoffs

What do you think about sprint races? Should FIA increase the number of sprints or get rid of the idea altogether?

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Written by:

Pranay Bhagi is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports, who has always been passionate about sports and writing. With a degree from a prestigious institute, he has channeled his enthusiasm into sports journalism, particularly F1, a sport that has captivated him for over a decade. Pranay's deep-rooted love for the sport began during the Sebastian Vettel era, and he has been following it religiously ever since.

Edited by:

Varunkumaar Chelladurai

Max Verstappen Lashes Out at FIA Over Recent Decision With Harsh Criticism: “I’m Not a Fan of It at All”

George Russell expresses his thoughts on Sprint Races

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