This year in Formula 1 was Max Verstappen’s 19 victories in 22 races signalled one of the most dominant campaigns of all time.

Verstappen is now a three-time World Champion and has won his titles amid a period of change in F1 with new ideas being implemented to boost the show.

The calendar has been expanded, with 24 races scheduled to be held next year, marking a new record for the sport. When Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015, the number was set at 19.

“It is too many for me, but we just have to deal with it,” Verstappen stated earlier this year. “I think it is a bit more logical the way it’s planned at least, I guess that’s better for everyone.”

Verstappen is currently contracted to race in F1 with Red Bull until the end of 2028 and the Dutchman has already sparked suggestions that he won’t stick around any longer after his deal expires.

“More things have to come together for me to make my mind up if I stay longer or not. All these things are definitely not helping, for sure.”

Sprint races
Verstappen has also taken issue with the injection of sprint races, which doubled from three to six events for the 2023 season. The format has changed year-on-year from its inception in 2021 but Verstappen has consistently not been a fan.

“When we’re going to do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes even more intense and we’re already doing so many races. I think that is not the right way to go about it,” he said.

“I understand they want to have basically everyday exciting, but then I think maybe it’s better to just reduce the weekend; only race and Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting. Because we’re heading into seasons where you have at one point 24 or 25 races, if you then start adding even more stuff, it’s not worth it for me. I’m not enjoying that.

“For me a Sprint race is all about surviving, it’s not about racing. When you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk and I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure that you have a good race car for Sunday.”

Verstappen also suggested that F1’s DNA is being threatened by the new ideas.

“I don’t find that it’s the DNA of F1 to do these kind of sprint races. F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and then having an amazing Sunday,” he said.

“That’s the DNA of the sport and I don’t understand why we should change that.

“Because I think the action has been good, and how do we get even more action is about getting the cost closer, getting more teams able to fight for the win.

“I think naturally the show will be great. If we have six, seven teams already fighting for win, that will be insane.