The China unknown amid Sprint Race format: concerns for Ferrari and Red Bull. Thoughts already turn to China with its Sprint Race: what worries the drivers the most?.

With Japan behind, thoughts already turn to China with its Sprint Race: what worries the drivers the most?

China is back on the Formula 1 calendar and this year will host the first Sprint Race of 2024. A circuit unknown to some drivers, but in a sense new to everyone, given the format.

At the end of the Japanese GP, the top three finishers expressed their concerns ahead of the upcoming race weekend in Shanghai.

China represents an unknown for the teams: there’s the Sprint format, which means there will be only one practice session to find the right setup.

The winner of the Suzuka race, Max Verstappen, has always been against Sprint weekends. The Dutchman also stated that for him, it would have been better “a normal race weekend.” On the other hand, however, this is the new Formula 1 and “probably to make things a bit more exciting, maybe that’s what they would like to see.”

The three-time world champion admitted he has always wanted to drive in China, but hopes only “not to have to tweak too many things on the car.”

Sergio Pérez is worried about any potential issues that the track could present, such as the presence of manhole covers – which have recently caused quite a few inconveniences.

“For the show, I think it’s a good thing,” explained the Mexican. “But from a preparatory point of view, it will be really tough. I’ve never raced there with Red Bull. There will be a lot to do in a single practice session.” – he added.

More analytical is Carlos Sainz, who highlighted two factors about China and the Sprint Race. On one hand, the Ferrari driver supported the beauty of the Shanghai circuit: “It offers good overtaking opportunities, so it makes sense to have a sprint race.”

On the other hand, the Spaniard considered that introducing this new format on a circuit absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 2019 was a bit risky.

“With the regulations they’ve imposed on us, a bump can damage the car. I don’t think it was a good idea to choose Sprint in China, after four years of absence. (…) For you guys, watching it from home is exciting. For us drivers and engineers, it’s something risky, and we should first run a normal race weekend.” – Carlos Sainz concluded at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix

Source: f1ingenerale