Max Verstappen has been told to leave Formula One if he keeps moaning about sprint races.

The astonishing blast comes from Ralf Schumacher ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a new “Sprint Shootout” format will be used for the first time, The Sun reports.

Reigning world champion Verstappen has been an outspoken critic against sprint races and an increased calendar.

Earlier this month, the Dutchman said: “‘I am not a fan of it at all. When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races.

“We are heading into seasons where we could have 24 or 25 races and if you then start adding more it is not worth it for me. I will not enjoy that.”

In response, Schumacher, brother of seven-time champion Michael, called out Verstappen’s quit threat.

The 47-year-old, who won two races in F1, told Sky Sports in Germany: “The past, the present and the future have shown or will show that Formula 1 is much bigger than any one individual.

“Bernie Ecclestone is also gone and without him Formula 1 wouldn’t even exist and yet now it’s more successful than ever.

“So Verstappen should either pack up and leave or just accept it as it is.

“But I do understand his attitude because there are a lot of risks. But still, he gets paid to do it.

“If he wants to go, then he should go. As much as I love him, it won’t kill Formula 1.”

Earlier this month he also added: “Max’s retirement threat is very unusual.

“It is kind of strange to hear, isn’t it? I mean, what’s he going to do with himself? He should stop now, really. Stop now, he’s done it.

“I think there’s an element of this with Max with him wanting not to waste his time on superfluous things that really are just invented for novelty reasons.”

Verstappen’s concerns regarding an expanded calendar may be felt if plans for a 30-race calendar in 2030 from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali come to fruition.