Formula 1 Drivers Protest Hosting Inaugural Sprint Event at Chinese Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers have raised concerns over the decision to host the inaugural sprint event of the season at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, marking the sport’s return to the Shanghai International Circuit after a hiatus since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The drivers, including Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, have objected to the Sprint format, which reduces practice sessions to just one instead of the usual three. They argue that the limited practice time on a track they last raced on five years ago poses safety risks and challenges that may not be adequately addressed.

Pirelli, the F1 tire supplier, has also expressed apprehensions about the event, citing the inability to conduct a pre-assessment of the circuit and uncertainty over tire selection. The transition to 18-inch tires since the last race in 2019 further complicates the situation.

Carlos Sainz emphasized the potential dangers of holding a Sprint race at a venue where Formula 1 has been absent for several years, cautioning against the risks involved. Max Verstappen echoed similar sentiments, calling for a return to a normal race weekend format for the sake of the sport’s performance perspective.

Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing Honda, expressed concerns about unforeseen setbacks, such as drain hole incidents, that could disrupt their preparation for the race. Despite the challenges, the drivers remain hopeful for a successful return to the Shanghai International Circuit and a competitive weekend of racing.