Lewis Hamilton, the British driver for Mercedes AMG F1 W15, took the lead at the beginning of the Sprint race during the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, China on April 20, 2024. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed his support for incorporating the Sprint format into future F1 weekends. Currently, the F1 calendar includes six Sprint events, with the first one being held in China and the upcoming Miami Grand Prix set to host the second. While the addition of the Sprint format adds more excitement to the weekends, it also places additional pressure on the teams. The new format allows teams to make adjustments to their setups between the Sprint race and the qualifying session for the grand prix, which was not allowed previously. The Sprint Qualifying in China resulted in an exhilarating race due to the mixed grid caused by changeable weather conditions. Domenicali believes that this success warrants considering the expansion of the Sprint format to other venues on the current 24-round roster in the future. When asked about the possibility of adding more F1 Sprint events, Domenicali responded positively, indicating that it is a possibility.
“I believe this is excellent because it maintains the suspense on a daily basis, and this is a topic that will be deliberated in the future.
“Now, let’s observe how this year’s sprints unfold. However, this is a matter that I definitely want to address in the upcoming F1 Commission.
“We must prevent any possibility of encountering a situation like Japan where cars cannot run due to weather conditions.
“This is unfavorable for the spectators who come to watch us and witness the drivers. I am confident that the teams will comprehend the need to discover solutions.”
Current World Champion Max Verstappen acknowledged that the change in format has enhanced the F1 Sprint weekends but also cautioned the officials about the potential risks of going too far.
“The sprint format was superior. I would say it was more direct,” stated Verstappen, who triumphed in both the Sprint and Grand Prix in China.
“However, let’s not exaggerate either, considering we already have 24 races per year, including six of these sprint events.
“I understand that it may attract higher television ratings, but it also places additional pressure on the mechanics and everything else.
“We have to manage it, but we shouldn’t believe that we now need 12 of these because it will also take a toll on people.”
Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, also shared his perspective, stating, “I don’t think it’s too detrimental for us as drivers, honestly. I don’t think we have the right to complain at all.
“It’s the numerous mechanics and engineers who have to travel extensively. It is not beneficial for their well-being.
“It is not sustainable. Therefore, the issue does not lie with us. People should pay more attention to the rest of the team.”