A new sprint format was introduced to Formula 1 in 2023, while also doubling the number of events the short race format was held at.
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (Via IMAGO)
The 2023 season was accompanied by a new sprint format, with three new weekends incorporating the sprint as well. The format completely changed sprint races, separating them from the qualifying procedure for the full Grand Prix.
The rules for the sprint also brought in some mandatory tire regulations and confusing strategies for qualifying sessions. Max Verstappen deemed the new format to be a ‘circus’, claiming he felt ‘lost’ during the action-packed weekends for sprints.
“Even I can’t keep track of exactly what the rules are anymore, which makes me feel lost. It’s like a circus.”: Max Verstappen said, as reported by Racing News365
The critique of the updated sprint format isn’t the only time Max Verstappen has said something about the 2023 F1 calendar. The Dutchman also had some harsh words to say about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, though he ceased his criticism of it after winning the event.
