Formula 1 are looking for ways to alter the Sprint race weekend format, after complaints about the entertainment value of the Saturday race. In the run-up to the third Sprint race of the season, drivers have been voicing their concerns about the entertainment value of the additional event. In the current weekend format for Sprint races, the usual qualifying hour takes place on a Friday, which determines the grid for Saturday's Sprint. The finishing order for the Sprint then dictates the starting grid for the main Grand Prix, which still takes place on Sunday. Drivers have complained that the current format creates cautious races, where drivers will prioritise finishing the Sprint rather than pushing for extra places, in order to not lose places on the grid for Sunday's race. RacingNews365 understands that Formula 1 is looking into ways it can amend the format to make the Sprint a standalone event, rather than linked to Sunday's Grand Prix. At this stage, any changes for 2023 would require a super majority vote by the Formula 1 Commission and require ratification from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.
Verstappen: Sprints are too cautious
With the number of Sprints increasing from three to six for 2023, F1 have increased incentive to find a format that can please fans and drivers. At the previous race in Mexico, both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were public in their criticisms of the Sprint races. Similarly, Verstappen renewed his scepticism of the Sprint events in Brazil , suggesting that drivers generally erred on the side of caution. There have been two Sprints so far this season, taking place during the Emilia Romagna and Austrian Grands Prix. Both events have been won by Verstappen, but the majority of the action has come from front-runners who have qualified poorly. In Imola, Red Bull's Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz recovered from lower grid spots to finish third and fourth respectively, with Perez completing a similar recovery to fifth place at the Austrian Sprint.
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