The Formula 1 Commission has agreed to change the format for Sprint weekends for the second consecutive year, according to the FIA. In 2023, Sprints took place in six different locations: Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin, and Sao Paulo. Last year, the format was rearranged, with Friday featuring a single practice session followed by qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix. On Saturday, there was a Sprint Shootout to determine the grid for the Sprint race, which took place later in the day. Now, the F1 Commission has made further changes, moving the qualifying session for the Sprint race to Friday, after the opening practice session. The Sprint race will then take place on Saturday, followed by qualifying for the main Grand Prix event. Sunday will continue to be the day when the Grand Prix races are held. The commission’s proposal will be presented to the World Motorsport Council on February 28. In 2024, Sprints will once again be held at six venues, including China, Miami, Austria, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Brazil, and Qatar. This alternate format has faced criticism from drivers for reducing practice time and revealing how the Grand Prix will unfold. However, proponents argue that Sprints enhance the viewing experience for fans both in person and through various media platforms.
Since their introduction in 2021, Sprints have undergone various adjustments as Formula 1 attempts to discover the most effective method of operation for this format. The sport has welcomed experimentation, with Carlos Sainz expressing his openness to continue trying different formats in order to determine the best one.
While Sainz encourages further experimentation, some F1 team bosses have voiced their desire for a long-term solution for Sprints. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized the importance of avoiding frequent and rapid changes, as it hinders the ability to adapt and absorb the intended Formula 1 race weekend experience. Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack echoed this sentiment, urging a careful consideration of the implications before attempting to fix something shortly after.
With the approval of the World Motorsport Council, Formula 1 may have found its long-term Sprint format. The F1 Commission, led by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, has also proposed revisions to the sporting regulations. These revisions include an increase in power unit allocations for drivers from three to four per season for 2024 and 2025, as well as a shortened window of operation for DRS activations.
Specifically, the proposal for DRS activation suggests that the device will be activated one lap after the start of a race or a restart following a Safety Car period, instead of the previous two laps. In addition to Sprints, power unit allocations, and DRS, the commission discussed the 2026 regulations concerning sustainability and cost measures, as well as making minor updates to the 2024 Technical, Sporting, and Financial regulations.
It is important to note that all changes approved by the F1 Commission will require ratification by the World Motorsport Council, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to the sport’s evolution.
