F1 is constantly improving and innovating the sport. One idea that has been on the cards recently is a sprint race especially for young drivers after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen and George Russell share their opinions on this plan.
Currently, there are several opportunities for young drivers to gain experience in Formula 1. For instance, they can test in old cars and can participate in free practice. Yet there is a lack of a competitive way to gain this experience.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently said that a sprint race for young drivers was being seriously considered. This would take place after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max Verstappen thinks it is just a crazy idea. “Not my problem. I’m on holidays,” the Dutchman replied when asked for his opinion.
“I don’t know. I don’t think everyone is excited after the final race to then do another race on Tuesday. If you want to give rookies a chance, just put them in the car,” Verstappen said about it.
George Russell got more excited by the idea. “I actually quite like the idea, to be honest. I always have mixed feelings about the FP1 sessions for a rookie because unless you’ve had a lot of experience, doing F1 tests is very, very challenging.
“I remember my first FP1 I did with Force India in Sao Paulo. I’d only done two days of F1 testing prior to that. I’d never been to Sao Paulo. And it really felt that I was thrown in that deep end.
“There was a lot of scrutiny on those two laps, three laps you get on a brand new set of tyres. But an opportunity for rookie drivers to do a full day of testing, then straight into a sprint race weekend. Yeah, I think it’s a good idea,” said Russell.
