‘Greedy’ FIA stalls extra sprint races

FORMULA ONE’S plan to expand the number of sprint races next season has been stopped by “the greed” of the FIA, according to sources close to the talks.

The F1 Commission – made up of F1, the FIA (the sport’s governing body) and the 10 teams – met in London on Tuesday to discuss several issues, including increasing the number of sprints from three this season to six next year.

The increase was unanimously agreed by the teams, as well as F1, but it is understood that Mohammed ben Sulayem, the new FIA president, who chaired the meeting, blocked the move. He told the room he wanted a financial incentive for the governing body for each of the races, understood to be in the millions of dollars for all six, for the extra work that would be involved.

The FIA already receives an annual fee from F1 to act as its governing body, as well as the teams’ entry fees. It is understood the idea was met with confusion, as the FIA has not received any extra income for the sprints and teams did not feel there was extra work, as the proposed extra sprints would be replaced by a practice session, at which the same personnel would be required.

A super majority – 26 of the 30 votes available – is needed to pass a motion, but F1 and the 10 teams between them have a total of only 20 votes, with the FIA holding the other 10. “It’s the fans who lose out because of the greed of the FIA,” one source close to the talks said.

The FIA said: “With the first of three sprint events of the 2022 season popular with fans and stakeholders last weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the teams were supportive of an extension to six sprint events for the 2023 season.

“While supporting the principle of an increased number of sprint events, the FIA is still evaluating the impact of this proposal on its trackside operations and personnel.”