Norris hits back at F1 sprints: 'It’s not to make us any happier'

Lando Norris is ambivalent to any changes to the structure of F1 sprint weekends, saying it is not designed to make the drivers "any happier" at such events.

The Chinese Grand Prix saw the introduction to a new running order for sprint weekends, with the entire sprint element taking place before qualifying for the grand prix.

This approach replaces 'Sprint Saturday' from last season, which saw the weekend split by a stand-alone event held between practice and the main qualifying session on Friday and the grand prix on Sunday.

"I don’t really know, to be honest. I just get in and drive the car. I'm not too fussed," Norris told media including RacingNews365 when asked if the new format flowed better through the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit.

"I don't know if it's better for the team, for the engineers and mechanics, I'm not sure. So, I don't really have an opinion, because when I get told to get in the car, I get in the car, so [it] doesn't make any difference to me."

'I don't think it's a question for us'

Whilst the McLaren driver appears apathetic towards the change in approach to the six sprint weekends F1 will run in 2024, with the next coming at the Miami Grand Prix, he did confirm he would rather a normal race weekend - a view a number of his peers have voiced.

"I still prefer a normal race weekend, in my opinion," the 24-year-old said, but highlighted the inclusion of sprint weekends on the F1 calendar as not being about the drivers.

"I think it's probably better for the fans. It's not for us, right. It's for the fans, it’s for the people watching," he added, before suggesting the question is perhaps better directed elsewhere.

"If it's good to watch, if it's good for you guys then that's why we do it in the first place. It’s not to make us any happier while driving, or have more fun, so I don't think it's a question for us."