Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 as bosses consider more changes to race weekends | F1 | Sport
Max Verstappen has sensationally threatened to quit Formula One if the authorities continue changing the format of race weekends. The reigning world champion and some of his fellow drivers have grown frustrated over adaptations made to the calendar, including the introduction of three extra sprint races.
F1 introduced a sprint race format two years ago. The number of sprint races this season has doubled to include six on the calendar, up from just three in 2022.
Authorities are apparently considering making changes to the sprint format which could come as early as the first sprint weekend in Baku on April 30. However, the move has annoyed Verstappen, who prefers the traditional schedule.
“I’m happy with just the main race,” the Dutchman told Sport TV. “I think that’s way better for the excitement.
“I naturally, of course, hope that there won’t be too many changes otherwise I won’t be around for too long.”
It is not the first time Verstappen has complained about changes being made to the race weekend. He said on his way to winning the world championship last year: “I’m not a fan of the sprint. It is what it is. Some like it, some don’t.”
The Red Bull star’s frustration comes after Haas boss Guenther Steiner revealed there could be a second round of qualifying for the sprint race in Baku next month. He explained: “In Baku we are talking about having a second qualifying in the moment. We don’t know how we do it and if we do it.
“Instead of FP2 on a sprint event on Saturday morning, we do our qualifying. Then we are in a situation to evaluate would one FP1 be enough to get out what we want and go from there?”
Meanwhile, Verstappen has previously spoken about his retirement plans. Back in February, he revealed that he could quit Formula One at a relatively early age as he has ‘different things’ he wants to do.
The two-time world champion said: “The problem is that we are travelling so much and it’s getting more and more. Basically, the question is: ‘Is it worth it to spend so much time away from family and friends by chasing more success?’.
“And I mean, I already achieved everything I wanted in Formula One. But I know I have a contract until 2028. I’ll be 31. It’s still pretty young. But like I said, I also want to do different things in life.”
