Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton share their opinions on the Sprint format that was introduced this season
With the final sprint race of the season approaching, here are some of the drivers’ opinions on the 2023 sprint format, which pushed back the qualifying session to Friday while also cutting down on a free practice session for the weekend.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.
Sprint Format ‘Too revealing of the race day’
Carlos mentioned that the new sprint format has certain adjustments, despite the fact that it was only introduced this year and is still in its testing stages. He worries that the Sprint gives too much away for the ‘main event’ on Sunday.
As seen in Silverstone 2021, previous sprints were almost like qualifiers, with an impact on how the grid would look for the race; however, this season, it is considered a separate event, and even with qualifying finishing before the sprint, it does not really serve much purpose aside from being extra entertainment for the viewers.
“…I think that Saturday is too revealing of what’s going to happen on Sunday which is basically the first stint of the race of Sunday.”
“And this doesn’t help. I think the show is the main race, is the grand prix. So, if you’ve arrived at this point, you’d better try something else on Saturday” – Carlos Sainz via Autosport
Verstappen with similar opinions
Verstappen expressed a similar sentiment, stating that getting a good idea of what’s to come after qualifying can take the joy and thrill out of the race weekend.
Fortunately for the drivers, the season’s sixth and final sprint session will take place this weekend in Sao Paulo.
Hamilton disagrees
Lewis Hamilton, who was also present at the press conference with Max Verstappen when he shared his thoughts on the sprint, had a completely different perspective, claiming that he ‘enjoys’ the sprint session and prefers having only one practice session before moving on to qualifying on Friday.
Image: (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
[adrotate banner=”9″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.