Verstappen expects new F1 format to make it difficult to “nail” setup

F1 will trial sprint qualifying for the first time at Silverstone with a 100km race on Saturday afternoon taking place to determine the grid for Sunday’s main grand prix.

The change in format means there is just one practice session before qualifying, giving teams limited time to get their cars into the right window before entering parc ferme conditions.

Speaking on Thursday at Silverstone, Verstappen said: “I am not for it or against it at the moment, I will just let it happen and see how it will work out. For the race, you try to win it. It’s three points extra you can get so you definitely try to win it even though you know on a Sunday it’s the most important race. We first need to do a weekend like this then we can properly judge everything.

“Of course, we’ve been happy with the last few races but we will always look at things we can do better and that’s what we will try to do this weekend again. I always said that we always have to work on trying to put the car in the best possible state on the track in terms of setup and with the change of format it will be a bit more difficult to nail that.

“I am looking forward to starting the weekend and then we will find out by itself where we are.”

Verstappen has won four of the last five races, allowing him to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton to 32 points.

Mercedes is expected to introduce its first significant upgrade at Silverstone - winning seven of the last nine races at the British venue.

“We know that Mercedes will bring upgrades,” Verstappen added. “We have to wait and see. At the moment, I don’t really know [how competitive Red Bull will be]. “The format we have this weekend, it’s going to be a little bit different. I expect us to be competitive but difficult to say where we will end up. I am looking forward to it.

“They are bringing upgrades so naturally if they work, they are closer.”