F1 CONSIDERS SPRINT RACES TWEAKS
Drivers are keen on changes to the format for next season after two seasons while the sport’s bosses urge caution after a dramatic race at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos last Saturday afternoon
Formula 1 bosses are considering making the Saturday sprint races completely standalone events which will carry points but not set the grid for Sunday’s main event.
The sport’s rulers have determined that there will be six sprint events in 2023, but has yet to identify which tracks would host them. That announcement is expected in the next few weeks, and a possible plan to make them standalone events is also thought to be on the table.
World champion Max Verstappen has previously panned the current pointspaying races, because the Red Bull man says it mitigates against racing. The Dutchman said: “There are a few points that you get, but you also know that you can’t really risk it because the main race is where you really get the points. With these cars, probably the racing is a little bit better. But, overall, you don’t really see a lot of overtaking unless there is a car out of position.”
There have been three sprint races this season with contests at Imola, Austria and last weekend in Brazil.
The fresh plan would mean that the grid for the main race was set by a traditional qualifying session on Friday, and the Saturday event would have no impact on the grand prix itself.
“I know that we will have six next year,” added Verstappen. “But, I mean, we can come up with things to discuss if we want it in a different way to maybe make it a bit more exciting, at least for me. But we’ll see.”
F1 managing director Ross Brawn was less convinced on the need for changes, after the thrilling sprint race in Brazil. He said: “We’re looking at if there’s any evolutions in the format to be considered for next year. But we’ve got a fantastic foundation already.”