F1 currently schedules six sprint weekends per year at selected circuits, with the first sprint of 2024 taking place last weekend in China and the second next week at the Miami Grand Prix.
The sprints received mixed reviews from drivers and fans, with the additional competition sessions compared to free practice generally generating interest, but also increasing the load on team personnel.
A modified format for 2024, with teams now allowed to make car adjustments between the sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying, was seen as a step forward.
MORE: Has F1’s new sprint format worked?
China’s entertaining sprint, with a somewhat different pecking order than the current grand prix, has further emboldened F1 CEO Domenicali to suggest there is justification for going beyond six sprints a year in the future.
“The qualifying sprint in these incredible conditions, we had a lot of running [in the rain] and it reminds us that we have a duty to ensure that there is action on the track every day to respect the fans who come here and want to have fun,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1.
When asked if this could mean more sprints in the future, he replied: “Why not? Why not? I would say it’s great because it keeps the tension up every day and it’s something something that will be discussed in the future.
“Now let’s see how the sprints go this year. But it’s definitely a talking point I want to discuss at the next F1 Commission.
Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali and Yao Ming on the grid
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“We must avoid any possibility of having a situation like in Japan with cars not running. [because of weather conditions].
“It’s not good for the people who come to see us and see the drivers. I’m sure the teams will understand that we have to find solutions.”
World champion Max Verstappen, one of sprint racing’s fiercest critics, agreed that the updated format for 2024 was a solid improvement.
But he also added that F1 should not take this as a reason to increase the number of sprints in the future.
“The sprint format was better, a little simpler, I would say,” Verstappen said after winning the sprint and the Shanghai grand prix.
“But let’s not overdo it, because we already do 24 races a year, including six sprint events as well.
“I understand. I guess it sells better and better on television, but it’s also more stress on the mechanics and everything.
“It needs to be faced, but let’s not think that now we need 12, because that will also have detrimental consequences for people.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, on the grid
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
McLaren’s Lando Norris added: “I don’t think it’s too bad for us as drivers, honestly. I don’t think we can complain at all.”
“There are hundreds of mechanics and engineers who have to travel so much. It’s not healthy for them. It’s not sustainable.
“So the problem is not with us. People should pay more attention to the rest of the team.”
