April 28, 2024 10:03
Photo: XPB Images
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, has signaled interest in increasing the use of the Sprint format in the future, perhaps as early as 2025. Currently, six GPs per year feature the format.
Sprint races divide opinions. For some, such as fans and F1 management themselves, they increase the excitement throughout the race weekend. On the other hand, teams and pilots warn of work overload and professional exhaustion.
The adjusted format for 2024, which allows adjustments to the cars between the Sprint and the traditional qualifying session for the GP, seems to have pleased. The short race in China, with different results from the main GP, reinforced Domenicali’s idea of going beyond the six annual Sprints.
“We had a lot of action on track in China, and it reminds us of our duty to entertain the fans who come to have fun,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1. Asked about the possibility of more Sprints, he replied: “Why not? This maintains the tension and will be discussed in the F1 Commission.”
Despite recognizing the improvement of the format in 2024, current champion Max Verstappen is opposed to increasing the number of Sprint races throughout the season. “I understand that it attracts TV audiences, but it increases the teams’ stress,” said the Dutchman.
Lando Norris agrees with Verstappen and highlights the negative impact on mechanics and engineers: “There are hundreds of people traveling more, and that is not healthy,” he added.
F1 should debate the future of Sprints at the next F1 Commission meeting, taking into account the issue of audience and the well-being of team members.
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