P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has criticised the decision to have the Sprint format in operation upon Formula 1’s return to China this
The Chinese Grand Prix had been a consistent race on the F1 calendar until the Covid-19 pandemic halted it in 2019, leading to a five-season hiatus without F1 visits to the Shanghai International Circuit. The teams will face a challenge due to the track’s resurfacing and the Sprint race added to the schedule, which limits practice time. Verstappen expressed his reservations about the Sprint race in China, citing the lack of track familiarity and potential performance issues. The revamped Sprint format will see the Sprint Shootout determining the grid after FP1 and a second parc ferme opening, aiming to avoid disqualifications seen in the past. Sainz also raises concerns about the unique challenges of the Shanghai track combined with limited practice time, emphasizing the need for a more conventional race weekend structure.
