Verstappen disagrees with Ross Brawn regarding the Sprint Races
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will have been the stage for the first Sprint Race of the season. These could multiply in the future, which is something that satisfies Max Verstappen.
Sprint Races made their appearance in 2021 under the name of Sprint Qualifications. As part of the British, Italian, and Brazilian Grand Prix, they brought entertainment but also faced some criticism. We particularly remember Lewis Hamilton’s incredible comeback at Interlagos but also the dull race at Monza.
This year, it was planned that the 2022 season would host six Sprint Races. Reduced to three for the Emilia-Romagna, Austrian, and Brazilian Grand Prix, they still haven’t won over the drivers or the fans. The wealthier teams were in favor of increasing them, on the condition that the budget cap, which came into effect this year, be raised. Faced with the refusal of the smaller teams, the FIA had to find a compromise.
Ross Brawn, the Formula 1 Sporting Director, defends this Saturday afternoon race at all costs. He was indeed satisfied with the season’s first race at Imola: “We are very happy with the Sprint Race. It was good entertainment, a good race with many overtakes. We showed that cars could follow each other. I am optimistic that everyone saw added value in it, even the fans. One thing to always remember about Sprint Races is that they make Fridays more interesting. We have three days of action for the fans and we cannot ignore that.”
This statement will not please the reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who has never been a fan of this novelty: “I am not a fan of the Sprint Race. I still don’t see any added value in it. As for the change in weekend format, it doesn’t change much for me. Friday is just longer than before because we arrive earlier and leave later.”
