Teams and stakeholders support the move to separate sprint activities from the Grand Prix, with a final proposal set to be presented in January.
Formula One is set to revamp its sprint format for the 2024 season in response to feedback from teams and stakeholders. The decision comes after the governing body, FIA, announced that its Sporting Advisory Committee would present a final proposal to the F1 Commission in January. The aim is to streamline race weekends and make them easier to follow for fans. The changes will separate sprint activities from the Grand Prix, providing a more coherent and engaging experience for viewers.
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Evolving the Sprint Format
Teams have been discussing the possibility of moving the qualifying “shootout” to Friday, followed by a 100km race on Saturday morning before the main Sunday Grand Prix qualifying session. Currently, the format includes qualifying for the Grand Prix on Friday, followed by sprint qualifying and a standalone race on Saturday. However, there is a consensus among teams that the current sprint format needs to evolve to create a more exciting and unpredictable race.
Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that the sprints have been somewhat underwhelming. He believes that the format lacks certain elements, such as pit stops and changes in grid order, which would make it more engaging for both drivers and viewers. Horner anticipates further discussions within the sporting forum and expects a finalized format to be agreed upon at the next commission meeting in early 2024.
Potential Changes and Considerations
To enhance the sprint race, Formula One is considering awarding points more widely and introducing a possible reverse grid element. These changes would add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the sprint format, making it more compelling for fans and drivers alike. By incorporating these modifications, Formula One aims to create a more dynamic and captivating experience throughout the race weekend.
Other Decisions by the F1 Commission
In addition to the changes to the sprint format, the F1 Commission made several other decisions to improve the sport. They agreed to retain tyre blankets until the end of the 2025 season, ensuring consistent tire performance across teams. The commission also approved updates to the technical regulations, allowing for increased driver cooling to address safety concerns arising from high heat and humidity during races.
Furthermore, the F1 Commission decided that teams would not be permitted to carry out development work on 2026 cars before the start of the 2025 season. This decision ensures a level playing field for all teams and prevents any unfair advantages in the development of the new engines set to be introduced in 2026.
Conclusion:
Formula One’s decision to change its sprint format for the 2024 season is a response to feedback from teams and stakeholders. By separating sprint activities from the Grand Prix, Formula One aims to create a more streamlined and engaging race weekend experience for fans. The potential changes, such as awarding points more widely and introducing a reverse grid element, seek to inject excitement and unpredictability into the sprint races. With these modifications, Formula One hopes to captivate audiences and elevate the sport to new heights of entertainment and competition.
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