Tensions are running high ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, following a chaotic Monaco weekend that left drivers divided, and Max Verstappen unexpectedly confirming he will not participate in Sunday’s race.

The fallout from Monaco — including controversial race tactics, criticism of the circuit, and heated debates about F1’s direction — has now reached new heights as Mercedes driver George Russell floated a radical idea for Monaco’s future: turning it into a qualifying-only event.

“The two-stop rule clearly didn’t work at all,” Russell said. “Maybe we should just accept that Monaco isn’t a race anymore and turn it into a qualifying event. One shootout on Saturday, one on Sunday, hand out trophies and points. That’s what fans love watching most — the pure s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 of qualifying.” “Let’s face it, most of the people here are sipping champagne on yachts — they don’t care who wins on Sunday.”

But Lando Norris, one of the biggest beneficiaries of Monaco’s traditional format after securing a podium, dismissed Russell’s suggestion as “crazy.”

“That’s a crazy idea, honestly,” Norris said when asked about Russell’s comments during Spanish GP media day. “Qualifying is important, yes, but this is Formula 1. We’re here to race. Monaco has its flaws, sure, but we shouldn’t throw away a century-old Grand Prix because some people had a frustrating day. Fix it, don’t scrap it.”

Adding further drama, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen announced he would not take part in the Spanish Grand Prix after what he called a “pointless” Monaco GP left him mentally drained and increasingly disillusioned with recent rule experiments.

“I’m not racing in Spain,” Verstappen said in a shock post-race statement. “After what happened in Monaco, I need a reset. We’re trying to turn Formula 1 into something it’s not — with rules that feel like video games. It’s frustrating, and I’m not going to keep pretending everything’s okay.”

Verstappen’s absence is a major blow to Red Bull and to the championship battle, where he trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the standings. The FIA has confirmed that his withdrawal was “not under investigation,” citing personal grounds as the reason.

In response to the growing unrest, an FIA spokesperson released a short statement:

“We recognize the concerns raised by multiple drivers regarding the race format and competition integrity. While we continue to explore options to improve overtaking and strategy, Formula 1 must remain true to its sporting values. Further discussions will be held with teams and stakeholders before any structural changes are made.”

As Formula 1 rolls into Barcelona without its reigning champion, the championship fight is wide open — but the real battle may now be off-track, as drivers and officials wrestle over the future shape of the sport.