Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has disclosed that he would encourage adding the Sprint format to further weekends in future F1 calendars.
The F1 calendar comprises six Sprint events, the first of which was hosted in China with the upcoming Miami Grand Prix set to host the second next weekend.
Although the revised schedule adds additional competition to a weekend, the Sprint format has received mixed reviews as it places extra strain on the teams.
A new format for the Sprint weekend allows teams to make set-up tweaks between the Sprint race and grand prix qualifying, something that was outlawed before.
The Chinese Grand Prix Sprint provided an exciting encounter, owing to a mixed grid following a Sprint Qualifying which took place under changeable conditions.
That has prompted Domenicali to suggest that there are grounds to extend the Sprint allotment to more venues on the current 24-round roster down the line.
“The qualifying Sprint in those incredible conditions [in China], 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 are coming here and want to have fun,” the F1 CEO told Sky Sports F1.
“Why not?” Domenicali responded when asked if there was a possibility of adding more F1 Sprint events to an already extensive calendar.
“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 [because of 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.”
Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen admitted that the format change has strengthened the F1 Sprint weekends, but also warned chiefs of the risks of overdoing it.
“The sprint format was better. A bit more straightforward, I would say,” said Verstappen who won both the Sprint and Grand Prix in China.
“But let’s not overdo it as well, because we are already doing 24 races a year, six of these 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 that now we need 12 of those because it will take its toll on people as well.”
McLaren driver Lando Norris weighed in, adding: “I don’t think it’s too bad for us as drivers, honestly. I don’t think we can be the ones to complain at all.
“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.”
