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      Top Red Bull Racing designer QUITS team piling more pressure on Christian Horner

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      ADRIAN NEWEY will leave Red Bull Racing at the end of this year – cranking up the pressure on boss Christian Horner.Newey, who has grown disillusioned with life in F1, is the sport’s greatest car designer and says he is now seeking a new challenge.Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull Racing in 2025Credit: GettyNewey, 65, has been a key figure alongside Christian HornerCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Ferrari where he would join up with Lewis Hamilton next season.However, for the meantime he says he will see out the year with Red Bull while continuing to work on his hypercar project, the RB17, which launches in the summer.He said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.”For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team.READ MORE IN F1″However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”In the interim, the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”Newey is responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.However, insiders say he has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.Most read in MotorsportWho is Adrian Newey?

      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

      In 2014 he was given permission by Red Bull Racing to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysNewey is said to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and how Horner and Red Bull Racing have been catapulted into the limelight.He has also seen the turbulence created within Red Bull Racing following the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague against Horner.Newey was not directly involved but worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he signed from McLaren.Newey’s departure, which was agreed late on Tuesday evening, will be a hammer blow to Horner, who has seen his position within the team come under the microscope.He is under huge pressure following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he had been cleared of, but now subjected to an appeal.Horner could also lose star driver Max Verstappen as part of the internal row that has ripped the team apart.His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasonsChristian HornerAnd he is due to face a barrage of questions at this week’s Miami GP.Horner said: “All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller.”His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons.”His exceptional ability to conceptualise beyond F1 and bring wider inspiration to bear on the design of grand prix cars, his remarkable talent for embracing change and finding the most rewarding areas of the rules to focus on, and his relentless will to win have helped Red Bull Racing to become a greater force than I think even the late [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz might have imagined.”More than that, the past 19 years with Adrian have been enormous fun.”For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is also my friend and someone I will be eternally grateful to for everything he brought to our partnership.”The legacy he leaves behind will echo through the halls of Milton Keynes and RB17 Track Car will be a fitting testament and legacy to his time with us.”Newey’s friendship with Horner goes back many yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Mercedes preparing world record £128MILLION-A-YEAR offer for Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES could break the bank with a record-breaking deal to sign F1 world champion Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Sources in Austria claim the F1 team are tabling a whopping £128MILLION-A-YEAR package to lure the three time world champion.Totto Wolf wants Max Verstappen at MercedesCredit: GettyThe Red Bull star could replace Ferrari-bound Lewis HamiltonCredit: SplashIt comes after Red Bull Racing were rocked by the news that design whizz Adrian Newey is stepping back from his role in the team.SunSport reported on Tuesday how Verstappen’s father Jos and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the Merc F1 team.That includes team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Verstappen camp have made it clear that they are assessing their options following their spectacular fallout with team boss Christian Horner.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt comes after an internal investigation where Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.Verstappen’s father said in Bahrain that Horner’s position in control of the team was ripping it apart.Horner responded that he would not stand in his driver’s way if he wanted to leave, despite having a contract worth over £40 million a year that runs until the end of 2028.It means that Mercedes however, could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff has made no secret of the fact that he would love to sign Verstappen and is close with the family and they both live in Monaco.He is desperate to return the team to winning ways but has so far failed to see them muster a challenge.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHowever, Wolff knows he faces a tough task in trying to convince the driver to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.Verstappen has seen Mercedes produce three duds in succession, leading somewhat to Hamilton’s decision to quit, while Red Bull have delivered him three title-winning cars.Consequently there is a high degree of risk in making the switch, which Mercedes are hoping to acknowledge with a substantial contract that comes loaded with bonuses.Verstappen meanwhile has tried to distance himself from the speculation linking him with Mercedes.However, he is likely to come in for some questioning about his future at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Christian Horner under more pressure with top Red Bull Racing designer poised to step down ahead of Miami GP

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      ADRIAN NEWEY is poised to step down from his role with Red Bull Racing, with an announcement coming before this week’s Miami Grand Prix.The news will crank up the pressure on boss Christian Horner following allegations from a female employee.Adrian Newey looks set to step down from his role at Red BullCredit: PAIt comes following the Christian Horner sexting scandalCredit: GettyNewey is F1’s most-successful designer, responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.SunSport understands he will remain with the team until the end of the season before overseeing his hypercar project – the RB17 – produced at Red Bull Racing’s HQ.A limited run of 50 RB17s will be made, the 1250bhp hypercar will be produced at a rate of 15 per year with many already sold.It means he is unlikely to link up with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, despite paddock rumours that he could join the Italian team or Silverstone-based Aston Martin.READ MORE IN F1Newey, 65, has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.In 2014 Newey’s deal gave him scope to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Newey is believed to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and is also understood not to be a fan of the ‘Drive To Survive’ element, which has seen Red Bull and especially Horner, catapulted into the limelight.Most read in MotorsportHe has also become caught up in the turbulence within Red Bull Racing, whipped up within the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour against Horner. While Newey was not directly involved, he has worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he was persuaded to join Red Bull from McLaren.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysHorner has denied the allegations and was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation. The complainant, who has subsequently been suspended, has appealed the decision. The strain caused by the internal conflict – plus Horner’s comments in an interview where he said Newey’s technical role had changed – have not sat well with the designer.Horner referred to the “technical team under him [Newey], led by Pierre Wache, is doing a wonderful job so they are not dependent on Adrian” – a comment that has wrangled.Newey has also watched the team pulled apart by the battle for control between Red Bull’s Austria HQ and the majority shareholder in Thailand. Who is Adrian Newey
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

      It appears to have all got too much.News of his stepping down, which could come as early as Thursday, will of course be used as further ammunition to crank up the pressure on Horner.Max Verstappen’s father Jos, who claimed his son would be forced to leave the team if Horner remained in charge, is expected to be in Miami this week – his first race since making the threat that his son could walk.Sources in Germany say that Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Wolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Red Bull supremo set to QUIT F1 team over Christian Horner sexting scandal in huge blow with rivals ready to pounce

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      RED BULL design chief Adrian Newey is set to leave the team following the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.The BBC have reported that Newey has informed Red Bull that he wants to move on after almost 20 years with the team.Adrian Newey is set to step down from Red BullCredit: GettyNewey’s exit is reportedly rooted from the controversy surrounding Christian HornerCredit: GettyNewey, 65, is said to be “unsettled” by the situation at Red Bull in the wake of Horner’s sexting scandal.And it is reported that his decision to call an end to his time with Red Bull can be traced back to the situation involving Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.The unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.READ MORE ON F1Newey’s seemingly forthcoming exit will reignite rumours around a switch to another major F1 team.The Brit, who has won 12 World Constructors’ titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and is understood to have previously received an offer from Aston Martin.Newey is under contract with Red Bull until 2025 but the BBC claim that he believes he can negotiate a deal that would see him work for another team from next season.It would be a huge blow for Red Bull to lose Newey who is regarded as one of the best designers in the history of F1.Most read in MotorsportWhile many consider the former McLaren designer as the brains behind the dominance and success that Red Bull have experienced over recent years.Red Bull have seen an internal power battle crop up following Horner’s controversy.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThere has been widespread concern over the future of Max Verstappen who is also said to be unnerved by the situation.Speaking at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend Verstappen discussed his desire to keep the chiefs at Red Bull in place and keep a “peaceful environment”.The star, who is contracted until 2028, said: “I signed a long deal with team.”The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. “I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave.”Who is Adrian Newey?
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1. More

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      F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

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      FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

      “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix to make if four victories out of opening five races

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN won again after overcoming two safety restarts to open up a 25 point lead in the championship.The Red Bull man was otherwise untroubled as he cruised to his 58th victory while his team-mate Sergio Perez was beaten by Lando Norris.Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Chinese GPCredit: AFPVerstappen, 26, hoists the trophy in ShanghaiCredit: AFPThe McLaren man, who is still searching for his first win in F1, was the best of the rest as he split the Red Bulls.Charles Leclerc was fourth and Carlos Sainz was fifth as the Ferrari duo failed to trouble the top three.Verstappen crossed the line nearly 14 seconds clear of Norris, a whopping margin given there were two safety cars to bunch up the pack of drivers.Verstappen, who also won the sprint race the previous day, said: “It felt amazing. The whole weekend we were incredibly quick.READ MORE IN SPORT”We survived the restarts well and the car was basically on rails and I could do whatever I wanted with it.”Those kinds of weekends are amazing to feel and to achieve what we did this weekend is fantastic.”Norris’ was crowned as the Driver of the Days in the fans’ vote, took his 15th podium in F1 as he squeezed past the Ferraris and Perez, who is second in the championship.He said: “[I am] surprised, so I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It was not the race I was expecting to have, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday.”And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. I am so very happy.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us comparing to the Red Bull which was so surprising.”I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it’s a pleasant surprise.”But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it’s paying off.”I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35 seconds – and I was very wrong by that.”So, I am happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”We were definitely lacking some paceSergio PerezPerez, who was upset he could not finish second, added: “Unfortunately we got the Safety Car and lost two places.”We did most of the lap on the hard and fighting like that in the early laps, the life of the tyre goes off dramatically but at least we got onto the podium. But it would have been good to be one and two.”We were definitely lacking some pace, especially on the medium compound, we struggled a bit with the balance.”We changed a lot from yesterday to today, so we didn’t read the conditions as perfectly as we could.”But overall it was a strong weekend and we understand the reasons today why the race pace was a little down.”Chinese GP results in full

      Max Verstappen
      Lando Norris
      Sergio Perez
      Charles Leclerc
      Carlos Sainz
      George Russell
      Fernando Alonso
      Oscar Piastri
      Lewis Hamilton
      Nico Hulkenberg
      Esteban Ocon
      Alex Albon
      Pierre Gasly
      Zhou Guanyu
      Lance Stroll
      Kevin Magnussen
      Logan Sargeant

      DNF Daniel Ricciardo
      DNF Yuki Tsunoda
      DNF Valtteri Bottas

      George Russell was sixth in his Mercedes while Lewis Hamilton battled back from 18th on the grid to finish in ninth place.Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu finished 14th and race bosses allowed him to park on the grid after the chequered flag.And the Sauber driver waved to his fans before bursting into tears after an emotional weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Verstappen was untroubled, there were plenty of battles behind with some excellent racing, albeit for the lower positions.There were safety cars first when Valtteri Bottas’s car stopped and then when Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda tangled, sending debris across the track.Lewis Hamilton received a great reception from the Chinese fansCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Not the smartest thing’ – Max Verstappen slams F1 decision as Chinese Grand Prix returns for the first time in 4 years

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 ahead of the return of the Chinese GP after a four-year absence.The Shanghai International Circuit was last used in 2019 when Lewis Hamilton won the race.Max Verstappen wants more than one hour to practice at the Chinese GPCredit: SplashDespite the drivers not visiting the track for almost half a decade, F1 officials are only allowing them one hour to practice.The circuit had been a regular fixture on the calendar, however, when the pandemic disrupted world sport it was removed.It makes its return this weekend and will include a sprint race.With the new schedule, drivers will start the weekend with their practice hour before sprint qualifying.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTOn Saturday, there will be a sprint race, and then qualifying with the Grand Prix on Sunday.However, the decision to limit practice to just one hour has proved to be an unpopular decision amongst the drivers.When asked about the situation, Red Bull star Verstappen could only give a sarcastic response.He said: “Yeah, it’s very smart to do that!”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe continued: “I think it’s not great, let’s say like that, to do that.”Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you’re going to experience, right?The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”So it would have been better to have a normal race weekend there.”But on the other hand, it probably spices things up a bit more, and that’s maybe what they would like to see.”But yeah, purely from a driving perspective, performance perspective of the sport, I think it’s not the smartest thing to do.”Verstappen’s sentiments were echoed by Ferrari star Carlos Sainz.He added: “It’s just a great racing track and a track that offers a good possibility to overtake, so a Sprint makes sense to have it there.”At the same time, it’s what we said in the drivers’ briefing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We say to FIA and Formula One, with these kinds of cars to go to a track with one hour of practice and straight into qualifying, with the regulations that they put us, with the plank wear and things like this, and how tricky one bump could make the car.”I think it’s not a good choice to choose to put the Sprint after four or five years absence.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More