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 modified so that Friday consisted of a single practice session followed by qualifying for the Sunday Grand Prix. On Saturday, there was a Sprint Shootout, which determined the grid for the Sprint race that took place later in the day. However, the F1 Commission has once again made 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, with the races themselves taking place on Sunday. The proposal will be presented to the World Motorsport Council on February 28. In 2024, Sprints will be held at the same six venues as before: China, Miami, Austria, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Brazil, and Qatar. The alternate format has faced criticism from drivers due to reduced practice time and the Sprint race revealing how the Grand Prix will unfold. However, proponents argue that Sprints enhance the experience for fans in attendance or watching on 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 support and willingness to continue exploring different formats to determine the best one.
However, some F1 team bosses have a different perspective and are eager for the series to establish a long-term solution for Sprints. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized the need for stability and cautioned against frequent changes that hinder the adaptation and absorption of a particular Formula 1 race weekend. Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack echoed this sentiment, urging a thoughtful approach to changes in order to avoid constant fixes shortly after implementation.
Fortunately, the World Motorsport Council has given its approval to a potential long-term Sprint format for F1. 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 include an increase in power unit allocations per driver from three to four for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as well as a shortened window of operation for DRS activations.
Specifically, the proposal suggests activating the DRS device one lap after the start of a race or a restart following a Safety Car period, rather than the current two-lap activation. In addition to these changes, the commission discussed sustainability and cost measures for the 2026 regulations, as well as “minor updates” to the 2024 Technical, Sporting, and Financial regulations.
It is important to note that the proposed Sprint restructuring, along with all other approved changes by the F1 Commission, will require ratification by the World Motorsport Council before implementation.