F1 chief Stefano Domenicali is keen to add more sprint weekends to the calendar in the future.
F1 currently has six sprints lined up in 2024, and with the first coming at Shanghai last weekend, the format changes proved to be a step forward despite the continued lukewarm reaction from fans.
Photo Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team
But, after the sprint in China proved somewhat entertaining, Domenicali is open to adding more sprints throughout the season given the fact that there are more competitive sessions compared to normal weekends which is better for the people attending the weekend at the circuit.
“The qualifying sprint in those incredible conditions, we had a lot of running [in the rain] and that reminds us that we have the duty to make sure that every day there is some action on the track to respect the fans that were coming here and want to have fun,” Domenicali told Sky sports F1.
“Why not? I would say this is great because it keeps the tension on every day and this is something that will be discussed in the future.”
“Now, let’s see how this year with the sprints will go. But that’s a point of discussion for sure that I want to discuss in the next F1 commission.”
“We need to avoid any possibility to have a situation like Japan, with cars not running [due to weather conditions].”
“This is not good for the people that are coming to see us and see the drivers. I am sure that the teams will understand that we need to find solutions.”
F1 must avoid going too far
Although increasing the number of sprints at more races would add value to the weekends, it would place more pressure on team personnel like the mechanics and engineers on an already packed 24 race calendars.
And despite saying the format was improved from last year Max Verstappen believes that F1 should avoid “overdoing it” with the amount of sprint weekends it holds because of the toll it could take on the teams.
“Let’s not overdo it as well,” Verstappen said. “We are already doing 24 races a year, six of those sprint events as well.”
“I get it. I guess it sells better and better numbers on TV, but it’s also more stress on the mechanics and everything.”
“You have to deal with it, but let’s not think now we need 12 of those because it will take its toll on people as well.”
Lando Norris said he enjoys the format of going straight into sprint qualifying after just one practice session but also agreed that having more sprints could be too much.
“I don’t think it’s too bad for us drivers, honestly, I don’t think we can be the ones to complain at all,” Norris said.
“It’s the hundreds of mechanics and engineers that have to travel so much. It’s not healthy for them. It is not sustainable.”
“So, the problem is not with us. People should look out more for the rest of the team.”