Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 in row over rules changes with Red Bull ace insisting ‘I won’t be around for long’
MAX VERSTAPPEN says he could be driven out of F1 if the sport’s bosses keep tinkering with the rules.
The F1 world champion is upset at plans to change the format of the sprint races – the six, 30-minutes races that are scheduled this season to form Sunday’s grid for the GP.
F1 chiefs are sold on the sprint races, which effectively allow them to sell the idea to promoters that they are getting additional track action, rather than meaningless practice sessions.
However, some drivers are against the proposal with Verstappen saying he has had enough of them messing with the “DNA of F1”.
When first quizzed about the proposal to cut down on one of the practice sessions, he said: “I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement.
“I naturally hope that there won’t be too many changes otherwise I won’t be around for too long.”
And after qualifying on pole for tomorrow’s Australian GP, he snapped again on the sprint races, which could now get an additional qualifying session.
He added: “I’m not a fan of it at all.
“When we do all that kind of stuff the weekend becomes more intense and we’re already doing so many races. So that’s not the right way to go about it.
“I understand of course they wanted to have every day exciting but then it’s maybe better to reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.
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“We are adding into seasons that will soon have 24 or 25 races and if you start adding even more stuff, it’s not worth it for me, I’m not enjoying that.
“For me, a sprint race is all about surviving, it’s not about racing. When you have a quick car there’s nothing to risk.
“I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure you have a good race car for Sunday.
“Even if you change the format, I don’t find it’s the DNA of F1 to do these kind of sprint races.
“F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and having an amazing Sunday with a good long race distance, that’s the DNA of the sport.
“I don’t understand or I don’t know why we should change that because I think the action has been good and how do you get even more action?
“It’s about getting the cars closer, getting more teams able to fight for the win. I think naturally the show will be great.
“If we have six or seven teams fighting for the win that would be insane and you really don’t really need to change anything.”
Meanwhile, former FIA Race Director Michael Masi says he has received a warm welcome from F1 – despite the controversial end to his career.
Masi was axed after his handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP that saw Verstappen clinch the title in controversial circumstances.
He made his return to the F1 paddock for the first time as chairman of the Australian Supercar Commission.
However, some reports claimed he was nervous about attending his first F1 GP since his departure.
But Masi said he was welcomed back: “It’s been fantastic being back as a guest of both the FIA and F1.
“It’s been really good. I’m here in my capacity as the Chair of the Supercars Commission, but it’s lovely to catch up with so many good friends and see so many people, including my old team at the FIA.
“It’s been fantastic. The welcome has been amazing from everyone that I’ve seen.
“It’s like seeing the long-lost family in many ways, which has been great.”