Max Verstappen Forecasts Chaos In Azerbaijan After Changes To The Sprint Race Format

Max Verstappen has spoken out on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of the first sprint race weekend in Baku.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to host the first sprint race of the season this weekend, and Max Verstappen has predicted it could be a "slightly chaotic" affair. Baku's tight street circuit poses a challenge for the teams, and with a new format ratified just this week, it's anyone's guess as to how the race will play out.

Verstappen, who won the race last year, has been vocal in his criticism of the sprint format and the decision to hold one in Baku. However, he remains focused on his title push and will be aiming for maximum points this weekend.

The first sprint race of the year will be held under a new format that includes just one practice session on Friday morning and two qualifying sessions, one of which determines the grid for the sprint race and the other determines the grid for the Grand Prix. 

“Baku is a challenging track to get right. As it’s a street circuit with long straights, it gives us multiple options on what wings we can run.

“It’s also the first sprint race weekend of the season so that might make it slightly chaotic.”

Verstappen's comments echo those of other drivers who have expressed concerns about the sprint format. He has previously said he is "not a fan of it at all" and suggested that further changes to the F1 calendar may make him consider his long-term future in the sport.

"I understand, because they want to have like basically every day exciting, but then I think maybe it’s better to just reduce the weekend – only race Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.

"And for me, a sprint race is all about surviving. It’s not about racing. For me, when you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk."

As Formula 1 heads into a season with potentially 24 or 25 races, it remains to be seen how the sprint format will impact the sport in the long term. However, one thing is clear - this weekend's race in Baku promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair.