Verstappen says single practice session at Imola is 'a bit stupid'

Max Verstappen says F1's decision to include just one free practice session at Imola later this year is "a bit stupid".

In its bid to reconstitute a proper 2020 calendar amid the cancellations of many events due to the coronavirus pandemic, F1 has added on November 1 a round of racing at Imola, a venue last visited by the sport in 2006.

The race weekend will feature a reduced two-day format to help teams deal with the heavy logistics associated with racing at Portimão in Portugal the week before and then hauling the equipment to Imola.

But Verstappen said the decision to hold a single practice session at a venue when F1 hasn't run in such a long time was wrong.

"If we would have had it on a track that we know and we have been driving with the cars we have nowadays, I think it's not a problem at all," said the Red Bull driver.

"At the end, it's the same for everyone, so there is no problem with that, but I just think it's a bit wrong.

"Give us two sessions to just sort a few things out, just make sure everything is working well instead of just one session.

"The two-day format, I don't really care, but then give us two practice sessions. Even it's better to do two one-hour sessions than one one-and-a-half. I think it's a bit stupid."

While criticizing F1's decision, Verstappen was still excited by the prospect of racing at Imola.

"I'm very excited to go racing there," he added. "I just think it's a bit wrong how they did it. It's a shame. It's a great track."

• Imola targets continued presence on F1 calendar

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel believes the two-day format should make for an exciting weekend, but teams will inevitably be working under pressure.

"I guess we all get the same amount of time to get into a rhythm, and head into qualy. It should be exciting," said Vettel.

"I don't know how many tyres we will have or which sort of tyres yet. It will be more important probably to just get enough time on the track to get used to it.

"[There is] less time to set up the car, but nowadays anyway we know where the car has to be.

"If something feels a bit wrong, you normally get a chance overnight, which now you don't. But the rest will be similar."

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