The F1 Sprint has received multiple changes to its format since its introduction in 2021. Multiple drivers, especially Max Verstappen were vocal about their dislikes towards the changes. Hence, F1 has introduced another change to the entire sprint race weekend. Hence, the Dutchman has since praised the sport’s decision.

Max Verstappen claimed that the new sprint format added some logic to the events. Additionally, Verstappen had also recently mentioned that hosting a sprint race in China wasn’t the smartest decision. However, the reigning world champion reckoned that the new sprint format ‘made more sense’ now. The ‘annoying’ part about the old sprint format was that the teams immediately went into qualifying after the first practice. Hence, this had damaged multiple teams’ weekends during the sprint format previously.

The new format makes more sense. The most annoying thing about the previous version was that you immediately went to qualifying, and if you didn't get it right, you got stuck with that setup for the rest of the weekend. This could really damage your weekend.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by formulapassion.it.Apart from this, Verstappen highlighted that there is always a ‘question mark’ while racing during the sprint weekends. However, this question mark was still unknown to the Dutchman and Red Bull. Additionally, the 26-year-old pointed towards the fact that the ground-effect era challengers will be run around the Shanghai circuit for the first time. Regardless, the three-time world champion wasn’t too afraid of the weekend, courtesy of the radically-designed RB20.

I think there is always one more question mark with Sprint in general, which I think is a good thing for F1. As for me, she is currently an unknown factor. We have never driven here with these new cars, so I don't know how we will behave. Time will tell and I'm not too worried.

Max Verstappen noted.

Max Verstappen claims that the Chinese GP will be an ‘unknown’

The Chinese GP will return after a hiatus of five years. Hence, the entire weekend will be tricky for the drivers racing here for the first time. Verstappen reckoned that the Chinese GP would be an unknown regarding the entire conditions. Additionally, the Dutchman highlighted that the track was repainted and not re-asphalted.

The GP will be a little ’ an unknown. From the track point of view, it seems that they have repainted it, rather than re-asphalted it.

Max Verstappen highlighted.

Hence, the new conditions raised uncertainty regarding the grip of the track to Verstappen. As a result, Red Bull will need to try to keep it under control and not raise any other issues. The Dutchman reckoned that the conditions will be the same for everyone, but Milton Keynes would need to have a good FP1 session. The crew will need to constantly work on fine-tuning the setup of the car for the drivers.

I don't know what effect it has on the grip of the track, it is an aspect that we must keep under control. It's the same for everyone, but we just have to do a good FP1 and hope we don't have to fine-tune the car. This will help us better face the rest of the weekend.

Max Verstappen reckoned.

The teams will only get one practice session to get the setup right and move towards the sprint weekend. Hence, the Chinese GP will be a great challenge for all the teams present on the grid. Red Bull will likely showcase a dominant performance this weekend. Apart from this, Ferrari might come close in second, keeping in mind their recent performances.