As China hosted the first of six Formula 1 Sprint weekends in 2024, attention in the paddock was already turning to a discussion about whether the format should be introduced more regularly in the future.
First introduced in 2021, the sprint format aims to bring more competitive action to a race weekend.
After adjusting the format for the second time in as many years, the latest version of the format sees two of the three traditional training sessions replaced by sprint qualifying and the 100km sprint race.
Sport officials have confirmed that sprint weekends had a positive impact on global television viewership, with significantly more people tuning in to watch a Friday qualifying session than a practice session.
However, a sprint weekend also brings additional challenges for the teams, as mechanics and engineers are under great pressure to find optimal vehicle setups after just 60 instead of 180 minutes of training.
Domenicali sparks debate
While the first sprint of the season in Shanghai naturally brought the format into focus, it was F1 president Stefano Domenicali’s comments to Sky Sports F1 that sparked discussion across the paddock.
Delighted by a thrilling wet sprint qualifying in Shanghai where Lando Norris beat Lewis Hamilton to pole, Domenicali hinted he would like to see more alternative weekends in 2025.
The Italian pointed to the contrast with what had happened two weeks earlier in Japan, when rain meant there was barely any light on the track during a wet second practice session, which took place around the time sprint qualifying would take place There was action.
He said: “On Friday, in the qualifying sprint, we had incredible conditions and a lot of running, which reminds us that we have a duty to make sure there is something going on on the track every day, for the fans who come here “To respect.” because we want to have fun.
When asked if more sprints should be added to the calendar, he replied: “Why not? I would say they are great because they keep the excitement going every day. We will discuss this in the future.”
“Let’s see how this format goes this year. What I definitely want to discuss in the next F1 Commission is to avoid the possibility like we had in Japan, where cars didn’t run. That wasn’t good because there are people coming.” See us and the drivers.
“I’m sure the teams will understand, so we need to find some solutions.”
Verstappen issues a warning
Somewhat unpleasantly for Domenicali, the most vocal critic of the sprint format since its introduction has been three-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman at least agreed to the change to the sprint running order for 2024, which will see sprint qualifying take place on a Friday and full qualifying, which previously occupied that spot, instead take place on the Saturday after the sprint.
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Max Verstappen felt the sprint went better than expected after securing victory from fourth place as the Red Bull suffered less tire wear
“The sprint format was better in my opinion,” said Verstappen. “A little more straightforward, I would say.”
When asked about the prospect of further sprints, he replied: “But let’s not overdo it either, because we already do 24 races a year, six of which are sprint events. I understand.”
“I guess it always sells better on TV, but it also puts more stress on the mechanics and everything to nail it every time, so we’ll take it.”
“I mean, it’s something you have to deal with, but let’s not think we need 12 of them now because it’s going to take its toll on people too.”
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Sky Sports’ F1 commentator David Croft believes that if more sprint races are introduced into the sport, they should take place in a separate championship and not part of a Grand Prix
Lando Norris shared a similar view to Verstappen and highlighted the challenges for all team personnel.
“The main point is just the toll it takes on mechanics and engineers,” said the McLaren driver. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s that bad for us as drivers. I don’t think we can be the ones to complain at all.”
“It’s the hundreds of mechanics and engineers we have here who have to travel so much. That’s not healthy for her. It’s not sustainable. The problem is not ours. So you shouldn’t ask us that.”
Hamilton praises the parc ferme change at the top
The most important change that the reconfigured schedule has enabled is an exemption from parc ferme conditions between the end of the sprint and the start of full qualifying.
Unlike in the past, when car setups were fixed from the start of qualifying on a Friday until the end of the weekend, teams and drivers can now use insights from the sprint sessions to make changes.
While Red Bull’s current dominance diminishes the advantages somewhat, the idea is that setup changes could significantly alter the pecking order to ensure the sprint doesn’t just serve as a preview of the full-length race.
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After an exciting end to the sprint qualifying race, Lando Norris took pole position right at the end ahead of Lewis Hamilton
After Saturday’s sprint, Lewis Hamilton praised the change.
“The opportunity to make a change now and potentially try to reduce the gap to the Red Bulls or at least who is in front of us, I think is great for the race weekend,” said Hamilton.
“Before, you would know the final result of the race when you were there, but instead we have something new and exciting.”
Unlike Verstappen, the seven-time world champion has been a notable supporter of sprint weekends.
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Everything you need to know about F1’s new six-race sprint format in 2024
“In general, I’ve always enjoyed the sprint format,” he added. “I think a lot of time is wasted on these weekends.
“We could either shorten the weekends or open up the day more so fans can have more of an experience.”
“Over the course of the day, at least ten hours are lost that could be used to entertain fans on the track. Of course, sustainability also has to play a role.”
Swap the early alarm for prime-time evening coverage on Sky Sports F1 as Formula 1 makes its first of three visits to the US in 2024 with the Miami GP on May 3 and 5. Experience every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
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