F1: Final vote is today for Sprint Weekend format changes

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Proposed changes to F1 Sprint weekends are being voted on today ahead of the this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP Sprint weekend.

The F1 Commission is meeting today to finalize changes which would see the Grand Prix and Sprint have their own qualifying sessions, meaning Saturday’s shorter race would no longer set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The F1 Commission is a working group chaired by F1 president Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis that consists of representatives of teams and engine suppliers to discuss sporting, financial and technical matters in F1.

At the Australian GP, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the teams had agreed to changing the format.

“For once I think all the teams were aligned. It’s not very often that it’s the case so we have to jump on it,” said Vasseur.

We expect to hear the changes were approved; however, it will be interesting whether they will go into effect immediately and, therefore, be used this coming weekend in Baku.

Krack also questions why a Sprint Race at Baku

Aston Martin’s team principal Mike Krack has added his apprehension about the upcoming Sprint weekend at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“I’m nervous about a Sprint in Baku because you don’t have enough time to repair if you have major damage,” Krack said, highlighting the potential risks of racing on a street circuit.

“Straight after the Sprint, you have the covers on and then in the morning, you have only three or four hours to repair your car if it’s heavily damaged. So, there is a high risk with that exercise.”

“If you take high risk in the corners and then there is a higher risk, but I think it will be a good show over the weekend,” Krack said, acknowledging that Baku’s layout provides ample opportunities for overtaking.