After the first three Formula 1 sprint tests were held in 2021 at Silverstone , Monza and Interlagos , another three events with this format will take place this year this year.
For 2022 a few adjustments have been made: the term “classification” has been removed from the name, a distinction is made between the sprint winner and the poleman, and points are awarded up to 8th place.
Despite those updates, criticism persists that as the result of the sprint race determines the grid for the full grand prix that awards the big points on Sunday, the incentive to risk overtaking is reduced.
Motorsport.com has learned that F1 is considering turning the sprint race into a stand-alone event for next season.
That could result in Friday’s qualifying setting the grid for both Saturday’s and Sunday’s races, so the only reward for the sprint would be the points for the event itself, without changing the starting order for the big one. reward.
The current leader of the classification, Charles Leclerc, supported the proposal. The Ferrari driver said: “It could be done.”
“That will help us take a bit more risk maybe during sprint qualifying without losing too much for Sunday in case we make a mistake.”
“It could add a little bit of excitement for Saturday. It could really be a good idea.”
Before last year’s Italian GP sprint test, F1 CEO Ross Brawn had already floated the idea of turning Saturday’s race into a stand-alone event.
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, contesting his first sprint event at Imola after last season’s run in the IMSA SportsCar championship, was also supportive of Friday qualifying establishing both grids.
“I think the idea of qualifying is a good one. If qualifying on Friday meant grid position for Sunday, and also for the sprint race, it could be quite fun.”
“You add another point of spectacle to the weekend… you can go all out in the sprint race.”
The Dane added that the current format puts the drivers in a “complicated mentality” as they have to choose between fighting for track position and risking an accident that would see them start the grand prix from the back of the field. grill.
However, not everyone agrees with this proposal. Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll stated his preference for keeping the current format, citing the benefits of balancing risk and reward.
“I like how it is. There are points and there is [a balance of] risk and reward. I think that’s the idea of the sprint race: to make it interesting for the fans.”
“I think it’s good to see the drivers further back fighting for positions on Sunday.”
“And if you come out front, you might not like it as much. But that’s the way it is. I wouldn’t want that to change.”
“I think if it’s going to be a sprint, it should be a proper sprint that puts pressure on Sunday.”
