Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali has dismissed the possibility of hosting a sprint race at every grand prix in the future, following the introduction of the revised sprint format in the Baku Grand Prix.
The new format, featuring six sprint races compared to the previous year’s three, introduced a sprint shootout to determine the sprint race grid. While the schedule change was met with a lukewarm response from drivers, with Max Verstappen expressing concerns, the overall fan reaction was perceived as positive.
During a call with Wall Street analysts, Domenicali acknowledged the collaborative effort between F1, the teams, and the FIA in implementing the new sprint format. He emphasized that the objective was to ensure there is always on-track action throughout the racing weekend.
“The result of the first sprint race of this year has been very encouraging,” Domenicali stated. “Our partners, promoters, media partners, and teams have all responded positively to the new format.”
He further noted that the sprint race format would be assessed as the season progresses, aiming to identify any lessons learned and areas for potential improvements by the end of summer.
Domenicali also acknowledged that introducing something new in a traditionally structured motorsport ecosystem requires time for the reaction of long-standing fans to be fully understood.
“While the immediate response has been positive, we understand that the opinion of traditional fans should be awaited to gauge the long-term impact of such changes,” Domenicali explained.
The sprint race format has brought an additional layer of excitement to the race weekends, providing fans with an extra dose of on-track action. However, Domenicali’s statement suggests that a balanced approach will be taken, considering both the feedback from various stakeholders and the need to maintain the integrity of the sport.
As the season progresses and more sprint races are held, Formula 1 will continue to assess the impact of the new format on the overall racing experience, ensuring that the sport continues to evolve while respecting its heritage and engaging fans worldwide.
