Max Verstappen predicts ‘chaos’ in Baku during the sprint race that isn’t part of the F1 DNA
Max Verstappen believes it will be a challenging race in Baku.
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Max Verstappen. Image via Autosport.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will host the first Sprint race weekend of the 2023 F1 season. Formula 1 will experiment with its new race format. Though a few team bosses and drivers are welcoming of the new experience, the reigning world champion Max Verstappen is not too fond of the format.
On Friday, there will be a practice session and qualifying for the main race. And on Saturday, a “Sprint Shootout” will determine the sprint race’s grid order. There will be two races, sprint on Saturday and feature race on Sunday. This puts the teams at a disadvantage as they have only an hour to sort out their setups for the rest of the weekend.
Max Verstappen gave his thoughts on the upcoming race. He said, “Baku is a challenging track to get right. As it’s a street circuit with long straights, it gives us multiple options on what wings we can run. It’s also the first Sprint race weekend of the season so that might make it slightly chaotic.” Baku is a circuit that requires low downforce levels due to the time spent at full throttle. The teams must sort out their car as soon as possible on Friday.
Related: Top 5 most dramatic moments from Azerbaijan GP
Max Verstappen is desperate for a solid FP1 session
Verstappen underlined the importance of the practice session. In the season’s first three races, Red Bull faced challenges in the FP. So it is important for them to have a solid run on Friday. Verstappen added, “We just need to try and get a good start into the weekend with a solid FP1 session. Let’s see what we can do.” The 25-year-old previously stated that the sprint races go against the “DNA of Formula 1”.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner finds it “absolutely ludicrous” to host the first sprint race in Baku. He stated the street circuit is prone to crashes and it might end up disastrous. Horner also worries that from a cost cap perspective, if the car is wrecked, it would cost a lot of money. The narrow turns in Baku will most likely make it chaotic.
It is safe to say that all F1 teams are concerned about the sprint weekend. It might put a strain on spare components. Mike Krack, Aston Martin team principal, claimed there wouldn’t be time for repairs in case of significant damage. The teams will need to operate within the cost cap and maintain the performance of the cars. However, the F1 grid thinks it would be a good show for the fans.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)