Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has opened up about proposed changes to the qualifying format on race weekends, suggesting that it will speed up a decision over his future in the sport.
Following discussions among Formula 1 teams, amendments to Sprint race weekends have been agreed, starting at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Baku is the first sprint race weekend of the season, with the fast-paced track sure to provide an exciting event for fans.
The newly agreed format will see Saturday’s morning FP2 session replaced by a qualifying session for the sprint race.
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The existing qualifying session on Friday will remain in place for the Grand Prix on Sunday.
“This does not help in my decision to continue after 2028,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf.
Verstappen, who is currently 25, has suggested that he could retire from the sport to pursue other activities by the time he turns 31.
Red Bull have Verstappen under contract until the end of the 2028 season but there’s no guarantee that the Dutchman will sign an extension beyond that date.
“F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it… but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races,” Verstappen told Sky Sports after claiming his second world title.
“And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up,” he added.
Verstappen’s suggestion that he’ll leave the sport in his early 30s puts him in contrast with other former world champions.
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Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is still racing at 37, as he targets a record eighth title.
Two-time Drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso is in the midst of a comeback at 41, having scored three back-to-back podiums this season.
Former world champion Michael Schumacher even returned to the sport in his 40s, having stepped away from the sport four years earlier.