Max Verstappen's straightforward response to the F1 Monaco GP sprint race: "No feelings tied to it."

Sergio Perez remarked during media day in Baku that he was taken aback by this choice, learning about it only through the candid reactions of fellow drivers.

"I found out through our [WhatsApp] group, actually. There were some comments there," the Cadillac driver chuckled.

"It was a bit lively in the group! I didn’t focus much on it, aside from what went on there. And that remains within the group, as you can imagine."

Perez revealed that the Monaco sprint was a hot topic of discussion in the F1 drivers’ WhatsApp group

Publicly, drivers have expressed varied opinions regarding the sprint race in Monaco. While the shorter race may turn into a procession, this decision does infuse the thrill of qualifying into the streets of Monte Carlo twice.

Though that sounds enticing, it has serious implications for how drivers prepare for their race weekend. Observing trackside, it’s evident that drivers typically leave some leeway during FP1 and progressively push closer to the barriers in corners like Tabac and Piscine during the final practice.

This progression towards a peak moment on Saturday afternoon is altered with the sprint format, and it raises questions about how much risk drivers are willing to assume in sprint qualifying. For instance, if you're battling to escape SQ1 for 12th or 13th on the grid, what’s the incentive? Given that overtaking is nearly impossible, starting in 13th typically won’t yield points, making it crucial for most drivers to avoid crashes on Friday.

"Perhaps you'd take a bit less risk," Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad conceded. "If you're P15, maybe you don't push quite as hard, but the top teams will always have to give it their all.

"I think it means you can't build up as nicely as you’d prefer leading up to qualifying. You just have to step outside your comfort zone a bit sooner in the weekend."

Max Verstappen, however, does not concern himself with such considerations. His response is brief yet emphatic: the four-time world champion does not support sprint weekends and likely never will, regardless of their locations.

Verstappen says he feels no emotion whatsoever about sprint races, regardless of the venue

"Yeah, more sprint races… Personally, I’m not a fan of it, but I understand the rationale behind it, of course," Verstappen stated in Baku.

"It adds more action throughout the weekend, so yes, we’ll participate... But, for me, my primary focus is always on the grand prix."

Above all, Verstappen views a sprint race as a detractor from what fans will witness on Sunday, with Monaco being particularly predictable: two races characterized by minimal overtaking.

When asked if Verstappen is surprised by the selection of Monaco, the Dutchman emphasizes that he is indifferent to the locations of the sprints and simply participates because it’s part of his role.

"I don't know. Honestly, I don't care where the sprint races take place," he said. "I just take part and, of course, you aim to perform your best. But I have no emotional attachment to winning a sprint race or not winning it.

"Since I was a child, I’ve looked forward to the grand prix. That’s typically on a Sunday or sometimes on a Saturday," referring to the Baku race occurring on Saturday this year.

F1 hasn't opted for Baku to host a sprint race since 2023

Lindblad, on the other hand, mentioned that the Baku City Circuit would be ideal for a sprint race. It is a street circuit where qualifying is thrilling and overtaking is feasible.

"This should be a sprint; it would make for an incredible sprint race,” the Racing Bulls driver expressed. "Ultimately, it’s a track where overtaking is possible, and the very essence of a sprint race is the idea of an all-out race and passing. I believe this should be one."

Baku is not scheduled for a sprint weekend in either 2026 or 2027.