Max Verstappen quit threats are silly as F1 rule changes help him more

F1 season preview as Max Verstappen looks to defend world title

Max Verstappen’s threats to leave F1 over simple rule changes are not just silly, they are quite frankly laughable. The Dutchman threatened that he “won’t be around for too long” if F1 bosses add more sprint races to the calendar.

Weeks later and new format changes have been announced which will see the introduction of sprint qualifying at the six double-race events this season. Firstly, it’s commendable that rulemakers haven’t pandered to driver pressure. They are in charge and should rightly set the rules.

However, Verstappen’s comments are themselves baffling when you look at the facts surrounding his F1 dominance. The Dutchman sits in F1’s best seat with a car capable of consistently winning races and delivering world titles.

It’s a position valued by not only the 18 non-Red Bull drivers but every star in junior formula all the way down to karting. Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle shared this view, admitting many other stars would be prepared to take his place if he walked away.

READ MORE
Karun Chandhok lifts lid on Red Bull domination in fresh Hamilton blow[]

When asked if Verstappen could really quit, he explained: “Ah I’ll be surprised. But if he doesn’t want to drive it there will be a million other people who do want to drive that Red Bull. I think what he’s trying to say is don’t mess around too much, Let’s just evolve and message this along. Don’t keep changing the ground rules.

“I get his point on that but I don’t see why that would make him stop.” Despite his antipathy around the Saturday sprints, the 25-year-old has also fared better than most over the shorter format.

Verstappen won the debut sprint race at the 2021 British Grand Prix and went on to pick up two further podiums in the format to collect seven points. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s P2 at Silverstone was his only top-three finish in Saturday’s races all season.

DON’T MISS
Lewis Hamilton kept in dark as Max Verstappen advised to give up[ANALYSIS]
Hamilton told new F1 record is still possible in warning to Verstappen[COMMENT]
Fans clear on stripping Verstappen as Hamilton has Mercedes ultimatum[LATEST]

Last year, Verstappen also trounced the field on Saturday with a new expanded points system proving vital. He collected two wins and 21 points collected over the three events with Hamilton only scoring seven all season.

Finally, the new format could favour Verstappen even more with the uncertainty around the sprint races now gone. Previously, the results of the sprint race would set the grid for Sunday’s race, meaning there could be a surprise twist.

Team-mate Sergio Perez fell foul of this in 2021 after dropping down the field in Silvertsone’s sprint race to start at the back of the field. However, the new qualifying session takes the jeopardy out of the race and means the fastest car is still likely to start at the front for both events.

Source: Read Full Article