Max Verstappen’s Retirement Threat May Become a Sad Reality After FIA Changes the DNA of F1 With Astonishing Decision

Ever since F1 has come under Liberty Media, the sport has gone through some radical changes. That is to make sure that the race weekend delivers a bang for its buck, making it worth the while for the fans. One of the decisions that fans have more or less loved is the Sprint race format. However, one man who has vehemently opposed it and its expansion time and again is none other than Max Verstappen. The sport’s management has announced another expansive Sprint concept which could result in the Dutchman bidding goodbye to the sport altogether.

F1 introduced Sprint qualifying in 2021. Back then, and the year following, they limited it to just 3 fixtures. However, 2023 is the longest season the championship’s ever had and with that, Sprint race weekends have doubled as well. When the concerned body proposed it last year, Verstappen stood up in arms against it. Despite that, they went ahead with it.

In the latest news, FIA and the F1 commission have agreed on a new format for Sprint race weekends. As per RacingNews365, RB team principal Christian Horner expressed his reservations against the format but now all 10 teams have agreed to the schedule alterations. As per the new schedule, Friday will have 1 Free Practice session and 1 Qualifying for the race. Saturday will have a Qualifying session for the Sprint and the Sprint race itself. Sunday, as always will be reserved for the main race and main race only.

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Fans have given a resounding ‘yay’ to the concept on social media. However, having 3 qualifying sessions will surely not be something the defending champion will be amused with.

Max Verstappen does not believe Sprint racing is real racing

Before every race, and even during, drivers pay extra attention to not taking any damage. That is because major damage can result in changing a part which could see them take a grid penalty. Moreover, it could compromise their budget cap plans which, as we have seen from last year, is a big concern for the teams.

Verstappen raised that concern when speaking against Sprint racing last year. As per Motorsport.com, he said, “During every sprint race I’m like: don’t take any damage, make sure you stay in the top three.” [Translated using Google]

“For me, that’s not really racing, because you know there’s a lot more points to be earned in the main race. You take a little more risks in that.”

“Everyone is so careful, because if you make contact in the fight for, for example, third position and fall back to last place, you know that you are going to have a tough Sunday. You probably don’t take that risk, so it’s not really a race.”

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It would be interesting to see what the Dutchman’s response to the latest development will be.