“I don’t see the benefit of it,” Max Verstappen, hesitant about the new F1 qualifying experiment

Max Verstappen has taken a stance on the new F1 qualifying experiment.

“I don’t see the benefit of it,” Max Verstappen, hesitant about the new F1 qualifying experiment

Max Verstappen. Image via Twitter.

Max Verstappen is not a fan of the new qualifying format. Formula 1 decided to conduct a qualifying experiment on two race tracks in 2023. It is a new format, and according to it, drivers must use Hard tyres in Q1, Medium in Q2, and Soft tyres in Q3. The number of Pirelli tyre sets drivers use will reduce from 13 to 11. 

The first qualifying experiment will be held in May at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola. There will be another track allocated for the second experiment. It differs from the current format, where the drivers pick their tyres for qualifying, excluding the wet sessions. The aim is to make the sport more sustainable. However, this is only an experiment. 

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Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, is uncertain about this new format. He feels that the hard tyres in Q1 might prove to be problematic, because of the slow warm-up in cold conditions. He stated, “I hope it’s not going to be cold in Imola, otherwise it’s going to be quite tricky. It’s the same for everyone but I don’t think we need to do these things in qualifying. I don’t really see the benefit of it”.

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Max Verstappen does not think the new F1 qualifying format will be beneficial

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Max Verstappen. Image via RBR

“It’s better if we make sure that all the cars are close to each other and more competitive instead of spicing things up in that way, which I think is probably for the show.” Verstappen does not see the benefit of the new format. His teammate, Sergio Perez also had a few thoughts on this subject. The duo is on the same page regarding the experiment. 

Perez, like his teammate, does not feel the need to change anything in qualifying. He analyzed how close the performance was during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Red Bull teammates do not believe in changing something that is already working. However, they acknowledge the sustainability motive. It is too early to tell how it would pan out. 

Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, also feels the same as Verstappen and Perez. The drivers are open to trying, they do not mind giving it a shot, though. According to the format, there will be six sets of tyres available for qualifying and five for practice sessions and the race. The reduction from 13 sets to 11 will impact the sessions. However, the teams will strategize and work around it.

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