Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso dismiss calls for shorter F1 races

Leading Formula 1 drivers are resisting Stefano Domenicali’s push for more sprint races and even shorter grands prix to appeal to younger fans.

The F1 CEO claimed ahead of Monza that as many as 18 drivers are on board with the idea, suggesting even Max Verstappen is softening his stance. But the reigning world champion flatly denied that.

"Okay, you all know my attitude towards sprints," he told reporters. "I've talked about it often enough." Verstappen said he recognises Liberty Media’s commercial drive. "I understand the thinking behind it," he admitted. "You can make more money that way."

However, he rejected the notion that practice sessions or full-distance grands prix are the reason fans sometimes lose interest. "That's part of the sport for me," said the Dutchman.

"We see exciting football matches and then we yawn during another and almost fall asleep. That's the element of surprise. Sometimes you're surprised by a thrilling match, and sometimes it's just boring. And it's the same with car racing.

"Imagine if every race or every match was a blast. Then it wouldn't be anything special anymore. No, I'm old-fashioned in that regard. I wouldn't change the length of the races, let alone reversing the grid. We shouldn't overdo it, and sprints are crazy enough for me."

Veteran Fernando Alonso, racing in F1 since 2001, warned that cutting race distances could make the spectacle worse, not better.

"The longer race gives you some possibility, some freedom on the strategy," said the Spaniard. "Probably refuelling would be the best thing, I've said many times. I know this is totally the opposite direction of how it's going. But when you can choose your fuel load and have different strategies, that changes completely the way the race unfolds and that creates an incredible, attractive strategy and races."

Like Verstappen, Alonso turned to football to illustrate his point. "When I sit in front of the TV, I'm not watching the 90 minutes fully concentrated. I go to the kitchen, come back, there's always some moments of distraction, and no one is talking about having 60-minute football matches or something like that.

"So it's a problem of society and the kids, but not the sport, so probably it's not needed, the change."