“Otherwise I won’t be around,” Max Verstappen threatens to snub F1 in case of too many format changes

Max Verstappen has made it clear that he will leave F1 if the hierarchy of the sport keeps on changing things.

“Otherwise I won’t be around,” Max Verstappen threatens to snub F1 in case of too many format changes

Max Verstappen (Credits: AutoSport)

Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 World Champion, has revealed that he could leave the pinnacle of motor racing if the hierarchy of the sport keeps bringing additional changes to the current format in place. He ardently believes, there is no requirement for F1 to bring more changes and indicates that they should shy away from it.

Max Verstappen has never been a fan of the Sprint race format introduced in 2021 and has always spoken against it. He feels the classic format is the best, and there is no reason to tinker with it. Moreover, while sharing his opinion, he added, “I’m happy with just the main race. 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.”

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The 2-time F1 World Champion, in blatant fashion, has admitted that he is very happy with the main race. He thinks it is way better from the excitement point of view, in comparison to the changes that have recently come into the sport. The Dutchman has also warned that if F1 keeps on tinkering with the sport’s format, then there is a very real possibility of him saying adios to the sport.

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Max Verstappen is the hottest property in the pinnacle of motor racing, and F1 should take his words seriously, as they would not want to lose out on the gem. While the Dutchman’s current deal with Red Bull runs until the end of the 2028 season, the years go by thick and fast, and a moment could come, when it would become very painful for F1 to see Verstappen leaving.

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Max Verstappen has been a critic of sprint races in F1

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen

While Max Verstappen belongs to the younger generation of F1 drivers, deep down in his heart, he is old school. He does not like changes and prefers to keep things as they are. One example was seen last year when Verstappen ardently spoke against the Sprint race format. He feels that the 24-lap race only increases the risk factor for the drivers.

By risk factor, he last year indicated that during the 24-lap Sprint race, an on-track incident could potentially hamper a driver’s chances of making it to the main race where the bulk of the points is given. In his opinion, the format has only increased risk for the drivers and does not bring decent rewards. Moreover, he is also disappointed with the other changes that the sport has witnessed recently.

Max Verstappen is doing his best to play along with what F1 has been doing but has clarified that he does not want to see too many changes. Considering what Verstappen has said, and what F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali recently said about changes in the sport, what do you think is the best approach for everyone involved moving forwards?

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