P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen: Not smart to pick returning China for F1 sprint weekend
China last hosted an F1 race in 2019 until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its grand prix. F1 now returns to the challenging Shanghai International Circuit after four seasons, presenting teams with many uncertainties regarding the performance of the new cars on the fresh surface of the 5.4km track outside Shanghai. With little data available, preparation for the weekend becomes more daunting. This year, China is the first of six sprint venues, offering teams only one 60-minute practice session to set up their cars, a decision that has garnered mixed reactions among drivers. The revised sprint format will feature free practice and sprint qualifying on Friday, leading up to the sprint race on Saturday, followed by the grand prix qualifying and race on Sunday. While the addition of sprints brings excitement, concerns remain about the limited practice time and the risks involved due to the track’s recent changes.
