Verstappen very sarcastic: 'Fantastic, I'm all for it!'
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Max Verstappen has repeatedly been critical of sprint races in Formula 1, of which the Red Bull Racing driver is clearly not a fan. However, the Dutchman has taken a different approach and now only expresses extreme enthusiasm for the sprint format - albeit in a very sarcastic tone.
Verstappen sarcastic about sprint races in F1
Recently, Verstappen also expressed himself cynically about sprint races. The three-time world champion is now continuing that course: "Yes, it's been absolutely fantastic and so much fun," the Dutchman sounded sarcastic. "I get so excited by having a sprint again I'm all for it!"
Verstappen's cynical statements can be met with laughter from Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, who sit either side of the Dutchman during the press conference. Verstappen will not say more than this.
Norris also has mixed feelings about the format. "I've always liked the normal race weekends, to be honest," said the McLaren driver. "So if I could just choose, I'd just go back to having that. But the reason is for the fans and to put on more of a show and things like that. I like the challenge of just FP1 [then] qualifying. I think it's better."
A sprint race is not necessarily needed for that, according to the Briton. "I think it's, for me, more enjoyable, and more of a challenge for the engineers and for us as drivers. So if you just had FP1 qualifying and a main race Saturday, Sunday, it would be nice. Two days. I think that's maybe the only thing. But it's not my choice, so it doesn't matter," he concludes.