Max Verstappen Ignores Ex-Ferrari Boss’ Advice as Disgust for F1’s Revolutionary Move Comes Out Again

After the season Max Verstappen has had, it’s almost anti-climactic that his first chance to win the championship would come on a Sprint weekend. During the Sprint race. On a Saturday. Considering he’s gotten used to dominating Saturdays and Sundays in 2023, this Saturday shouldn’t be any different. The only thing is, he isn’t particularly a fan of the Saturday that’s to come at the Qatar GP.

Since F1 introduced Sprint weekends in 2021—a rather revolutionary move to increase excitement and viewership—the Dutchman has been averse to its concept. “He’ll start liking them when he wins them,” said Helmut Marko. Two years and five Sprint wins later, this is what Verstappen has to say: “It’s not worth it for me. I’m not a fan of it at all.” Well, former Ferrari General Manager Peter Windsor asked him to deal with it, but Verstappen couldn’t help but express his distaste for Sprints yet again.

For Max Verstappen, a football goal > a Sprint race win 

Question to Verstappen: How many times have you said you hate Sprint weekends? Verstappen: Yes. Going into the Qatar GP this weekend, Verstappen has a 177-point lead in the championship. With six race weekends left, three of which—to Verstappen’s dismay—are Sprint weekends, the Dutchman just needs three more points to become a three-time champion. Considering the top-eight finishers get points in the Sprint, Verstappen needs anything higher than a P7 finish to seal the deal. Will he, though?

During Peter Windsor’s Japanese GP debrief, he was asked if Verstappen would sit out the Sprint and go for the title on Sunday. Windsor replied, “If I was Max, I’d say, ‘Bring back the garlands. I’ll try and win it in the Sprint race.’ I don’t think he’ll play around with it. You don’t play around with the championship. If you’ve got a chance to win the championship in the Sprint race, you go for it.” Even though it’s a Sprint, it’s still a race, and Verstappen will do whatever possible to win—just like he’s been doing throughout 2023. That didn’t stop him from making fun of the format, though.

On his flight to Qatar, Verstappen joined a Twitch livestream with his friend, Tom, and played FIFA 23 (most likely). Fittingly, he was playing for RB (Red Bull) Leipzig. After giving an assist to a goal, he said, “ Ah, mate! It almost feels as good as a Sprint win. I’ll tell you that.” Tom asked, “Even if it wins you a championship?” to which Verstappen replied, “That’s debatable.” Whether or not he’s looking forward to the Sprint, he’s definitely looking forward to being a three-time world champion on Saturday—albeit during the abominable Sprint.

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The Dutchman single-handedly assisted Red Bull to its sixth Constructors’ Championship in Japan. Whether or not he’s in the mood to assist anyone but himself this weekend, his teammate would sure hope he does.

Sergio Perez wouldn’t mind a little help from Verstappen

Last season, Sergio Perez was fighting for P2 in the Drivers’ Championship. At the Brazilian GP, he had the opportunity to get the upper hand on Charles Leclerc. To make that possible, Verstappen was asked to let him through, but he didn’t comply. Ultimately, Perez finished third in the 2022 championship. This season, too, the Mexican is fighting to hold onto P2. As much as Perez would like to achieve that P2 on his own, former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa feels that Verstappen could help him out.

On the F1 Nation Podcast, de la Rosa said, “Sometimes, you speak with your teammate and say, ‘Look, Max, it means a lot to me. I’ve been fighting for this. It’s my dream. Okay, it’s not as big as being World Champion, but it’s still second, and it’s always very nice for my CV or for my stories to my grandchildren to be able to explain that I finished second in the Formula 1 World Championship.’ Then it’s fine. I’m pretty sure Max will help.” Max is a born fighter. He’s not one to let go of a position without a fight, as established in Brazil in 2022. But if Perez does ask him to, could he make an exception?

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Would you like to see Max Verstappen clinch the championship on Saturday? Or do you feel that’ll somehow take the shine off of it?