Verstappen praises new F1 rule change

Max Verstappen has stated that Formula 1's changes to its sprint format for the upcoming season are “logical”.

Verstappen has been critical of the sprint format since its introduction in 2021 and continued his disapproval throughout last year's campaign.

However, in a move to further streamline the format, F1 has opted to shift sprint qualifying to Friday, following the sole practice session of the weekend.

Saturday's action will feature the sprint race before the Grand Prix qualifying session, with the main event unchanged from its Sunday slot.

“I think it's a bit more logical, I would say with how the format is formed,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

“For me I don't get more excited by winning a sprint or fighting for these kind of races. But at least a bit more logical I would say.”

Verstappen is also a fan of parc ferme being reopened after the sprint race to fix any set-up issues ahead of the Grand Prix.

“I think that's a bit better,” he said. “Sometimes you get stuck, you know that your weakened is ruined you know you can't really change anything. So for sure it will help a bit.”

Verstappen maintaining enthusiasm

Verstappen enters the race weekend having won three consecutive World Championships, with his most recent coming amid the most dominant campaign in F1 history.

The Dutchman set a new record for the most wins in a single season with 19.

Having enjoyed a lengthy period of success, Verstappen insists that his enthusiasm for F1 remains unchanged.

“[It's] the same as last year to be honest, you just go with the flow,” he said. “Of course it [the calendar] is a bit longer.

“But to be honest with you, once you're in the middle of the season you're anyway in this F1 mode, so you can never fully switch off. Then you just keep going.”