Formula 1 might see more sprint races in coming days in a calendar year as well as reverse grids, according to F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
Introduced in 2021, the sprints originally served as a deciding race to set the grid for the grand prix, but have over the years evolved to become a stand-alone race with its own qualifying session at six events each year.
The current format has been in place since last year, with sprint qualifying on Friday evening and the sprint race on Saturday morning before the weekend returns to its usual schedule with qualifying and the grand prix.
What are Sprint races in Formula 1?
Sprint is a short race taking place over just 100km – around one-third of the standard Grand Prix distance. There are no mandatory pit stops, so it’s a straightforward race to the line. The driver passing the Chequered Flag first wins. It’s a display of pure speed and overtaking prowess without any complicated strategy.
More Sprint races to come?
Domenicali, while appearing in a podcast, vouched for having more short-distance races.
“I think there’s the possibility to extend two things, which we need to discuss both with the drivers and the teams and of course with the FIA,” he said. “They are: can we apply that with more races? Is this the right formula with, I don’t know, the possibility to have a reverse grid, as we are doing with Formula 2 and Formula 3?
“Therefore I’m ready to discuss not only more sprints — because this is what I see as a request from the promoters, who want to have it because they are able to not change the numbers on Saturday and Sunday, because they are already full, but they will change the number on Friday- [but] if there are new formats, new ideas.
“We are open to that because I think that’s the right thing — to listen to our fans, to try to create something and not be worried to make mistakes, because the one who believes in making no mistakes doesn’t do anything new.”
Also Read: Formula 1 Sprint Qualification Process: How Does It Work
The Formula 1 Sprint races are becoming more popular with young fans who love more action and thrill. Organisers are looking to tap on the fanbase and expand its outreach.
“I think that the sprint, whatever will be the right format, will represent the future,” he said.
“I think that between six and 24 [sprints], we have to make steps into the middle.”
Domenicali took over as the Formula 1 CEO in 2021 and has overviewed its growing popularity. While F1 races have been more dominant in the Europe region, it is gradually making its hold in the US.
