Formula One Set to Revamp Sprint Format for 2024 Season

Stakeholders and Teams Support Changes to Enhance Race Weekend Experience

Formula One is preparing to overhaul its sprint format for the 2024 season following widespread support from teams and stakeholders. The move aims to simplify race weekends and make them more accessible to fans. The decision comes after the FIA’s Sporting Advisory Committee received positive feedback and will present a final proposal to the F1 Commission in January. The revised format will separate sprint activities from the Grand Prix, streamlining the overall schedule. The final calendar for the 2024 sprint events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Evolving the Sprint Format

The current sprint format, introduced this year, has faced criticism for lacking excitement and strategic elements. Teams have been discussing potential changes, including moving the qualifying “shootout” to Friday and holding the 100km sprint race on Saturday morning before the main Sunday Grand Prix. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that the sprints need to evolve, highlighting the absence of pit stops and the races often following grid order. Horner expressed the need for further discussions within the sporting forum to refine the format and expects a final decision to be reached at the next commission meeting in early 2024.

Enhancing the Sprint Race Experience

To make the sprint race more engaging, Formula One is considering awarding points more widely and introducing a possible reverse grid element. These changes aim to inject more unpredictability and excitement into the sprint races, providing drivers with additional opportunities to showcase their skills and potentially impact the main Grand Prix. By increasing the significance of the sprint race, Formula One hopes to captivate fans and create more memorable moments throughout the race weekend.

Technical Updates and Safety Concerns

In addition to the sprint format changes, the F1 Commission made other notable decisions. It agreed to retain tyre blankets through the 2025 season, ensuring teams can continue to heat their tires for optimal performance. The commission also approved updates to the technical regulations, allowing for increased driver cooling to be fitted to the cars. This decision comes after concerns over driver safety arose due to the extreme heat and humidity experienced during the Qatar Grand Prix. The FIA prioritizes the well-being of drivers and aims to address any potential risks to ensure a safe racing environment.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The F1 Commission also confirmed that teams would not be permitted to carry out development work on 2026 cars before the start of the 2025 season. This decision aligns with Formula One’s plans to introduce a new engine in 2026, ensuring a level playing field and fair competition among teams. By implementing this regulation, Formula One aims to maintain the integrity of the sport and prevent any team from gaining an unfair advantage through early development work.

Conclusion:

Formula One is set to undergo significant changes to its sprint format for the 2024 season. The decision to separate sprint activities from the Grand Prix aims to streamline race weekends and enhance the overall experience for fans. The revised format, which is expected to be finalized in early 2024, will address the current limitations of the sprint races and introduce new elements to increase excitement and unpredictability. With additional points and a possible reverse grid element under consideration, Formula One hopes to captivate audiences and deliver more thrilling moments throughout the race weekend. The F1 Commission’s decisions also reflect a commitment to driver safety and fair competition, ensuring that Formula One remains at the forefront of innovation and entertainment in the world of motorsport.


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