Max Verstappen warns "F1 shouldn't go crazy" amid proposed format changes

Max Verstappen says "F1 shouldn’t go crazy" with shorter races and more sprints, as suggested by CEO Stefano Domenicali

Max Verstappen has taken a firm stance in response to the proposed changes to Formula 1's race format, arguing that "F1 shouldn't go crazy." This comes after CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested the shortening of race distances while expanding the controversial sprint format and even looking to MotoGP for further inspiration.

The F1 supremo offered a number of ideas for changes as the championship looks to further utilise its growing fanbase. The Italian argues that the current races are "too long for young people." On top of this, the series is considering adding a sprint race to every race weekend. "In a few years there will be demand to have all weekends with the same format," Domenicali added. The idea of reverse grids has also been floated.

The reigning champion was asked about his level of support for these suggestions, but he was quick to push back against them.

"No, I mean, you all know how I think about sprint races, but the length of the race, I think it's fine. I mean, yeah, sometimes one and a half hours, sometimes closer to [two]. In other sports as well. Sometimes you have an exciting game, sometimes absolutely boring and you fall asleep.

"That's sport for you. You cannot always make it exciting, because if it's always exciting, it becomes boring, too."

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson - Getty Images

The Dutchman continued, arguing that Domenicali should instead adjust his priorities and bring teams closer together in performance and focus on the racing itself instead of changing the format of the weekend.

"Because then you know that a lot of changes are happening, but that's also not always how you want to see it. It always needs to be a surprise. Sometimes it can be surprisingly exciting, sometimes it can be surprisingly boring.

"So from my side, I'm probably more of a traditional guy. I think it's more important that all the teams are closer, because then you get more racing anyway. But in general, if you look at the season, if you take McLaren out of it, it is not too bad.

"It's just that the following with these cars again is becoming a bit of a problem. So that's why sometimes you are stuck again in a DRS train or whatever."

The four-time champion does, however, understand the main goal of these proposed changes.

"Yes, I see the positives. People are making more money. But for me personally, I've talked about it many times. You know my opinion about it. But I also understand why they do it. To also make it a more exciting product on the day.

"Because I can understand when fans come to the track, it's of course more exciting to see cars race than just lap around in practice. For us, it's still very important to have practice. But I understand from a fan's point of view that it can be a bit boring.

"But F1 has been like this since the '50s. So I understand that sports evolve and stuff like that. But we shouldn't go too crazy. I think a sprint race is already, from my side, crazy enough."