F1 News: Verstappen critical of Shanghai circuit choice: 'Not the smartest thing to do'

Max Verstappen, Japan, 2024, Generic — Photo: © IMAGO

Chinese Grand Prix

Verstappen critical of Shanghai circuit choice: 'Not the smartest thing to do'

The Dutchman joins drivers in Chinese GP sprint weekend criticisms

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 15:00

Max Verstappen has criticised a key decision ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.

The race at the Shanghai International Circuit returns after a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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China usually provides memorable moments, including Red Bull’s first win with Sebastian Vettel in 2009 and Hamilton’s spectacular loss of the 2007 world title.

In 2024 it will host the inaugural sprint weekend on the calendar, and the first with the revised format.

The Chinese GP takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit

Verstappen slams Chinese GP sprint race

Saturday starts with the sprint, and is followed by Qualifying for the full race on Sunday, so teams can make set-up changes on the car for Qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Drivers, including Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, have questioned the decision to host a sprint race at a circuit that holds so many unknowns.

With only one practice session teams will have limited running, a particular concern for drivers new to this track.

Carlos Sainz has revealed he does not ‘think it's a good choice’ and neither does Max Verstappen.

"I think it's not great, let's say it like that, to do that," Verstappen said after the Japanese Grand Prix according to Reuters.

Max Verstappen criticises Chinese GP sprint weekend

"Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you're going to experience, right? So it would have been better to have a normal race weekend there.

"Purely from a driving perspective, performance perspective of the sport, I think it's not the smartest thing to do. But yeah, we'll see what we get there."

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel Chinese Grand Prix Shanghai International Circuit