Sprint racing returns to Formula 1 with this Brazilian Grand Prix and it returns hand in hand the worst nightmare of all drivers not named Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has lost his dominance in the long races as the Red Bull has lost performance, but to the surprise of some he maintains it in the short ones.
When Verstappen won the sprint race in Austin a fortnight ago, a very revealing piece of information came to light: of the 16 sprint races that have been held to date in Formula 1, Verstappen has won eleven. Of the five that he did not win, he was on the podium in four and in the remaining one he finished in fourth position. It’s not a coincidence.
Verstappen has won eleven of the 16 sprint races in F1 history
When counting on the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris Many saw the sprint races as an opportunity for the McLaren driver to cut even more points. However, Verstappen’s Red Bull has been falling behind as “tricks” have been made illegal, and now the McLaren seems ahead.
However, in the Austin sprint race Verstappen was a very big scare for more than one. He took pole position and dominated at will, but later in the long race he was light years behind the Ferraris. How is such a big change between short races and long races possible for Verstappen?
If we take a look at history, it turns out that Verstappen has won eleven of the 16 sprint races in Formula 1. He finished second in three, third in one and fourth in another. For example, Lewis Hamilton has yet to win one. And Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, Verstappen’s two supposed current rivals, neither.
The reason for these numbers seems clear: Max Verstappen is the best driver in current Formula 1. Or, at least, the one who needs the least time to adapt to the track conditions and his own car. A quality that is fundamental for the sprint Grand Prix.
Let us remember that When there is a sprint format, there are hardly any free workouts.. There is only one morning session before starting to compete, so many drivers and teams even use qualifying and the sprint race to fine-tune performance, even sacrificing immediate results.
Verstappen is not one of thoseand that ability to adapt is what makes it shine more the less it is released. Pure talent. In Brazil, another stage to show off.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
