F1: Series considers sprint format tweak for 2023 (Update)

Formula 1’s managing director Ross Brawn has thrown caution to the wind regarding any major changes to the Sprint Race weekends.

Whereas some people think there should be two separate qualifying sessions, one for the Sprint Race and one for the Feature race, Brawn disagrees and wants the Sprint Race to still determine the lineup for the feature race.

However, he thinks a better change is when the cars will be ‘locked down’ in Parc Ferme rules when no further adjustments can be made to the car.

This year the cars are locked down after Friday Qualifying, and Brawn wants to move that to after Saturday FP2 Practice.

“The race was very pleasing,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com about Saturday’s event at Interlagos. “I think the track helps, it shows the sensitivity to selecting the right sort of races for next year.

“We’re looking at if there’s any evolutions in the format to be considered for next year. But we’ve got a fantastic foundation already.

“So we’d be very cautious about changing things. And certainly, I don’t think we should move to a dramatically different format.

“It was great, a fantastic race. It gave the crowds terrific entertainment. Qualifying’s special, but not as special as that was today, I really enjoyed that.”

Asked about what format changes are being considered, he said: “It’s not something I want to speculate on at the moment because I think it’s only fair to talk to the FIA and the teams. And we made some presentations, a year or so ago, that have not changed really.

“We wanted to get the six races agreed and bedded in, and the venues sorted. And I think when we see the venues, we can be a little bit more informed when we talk about the format we might move to. But as I say, the existing format works very well. So we should be cautious not to move.”

“On Friday in the F1 Commission meeting we’re talking about parc ferme, and whether that should start after the sprint so that you’ve got a more meaningful FP2.

“I think there are some general things we can do as well as something a little bit more substantial, but it’s evolution now, not revolution.”

(GMM) Formula 1’s ‘sprint race’ weekend format could be shaken up for 2023.

This year and last, there were three sprint race weekends per season – with qualifying on Friday setting the order for a short race on Saturday.

The results of the sprint then set the grid for Sunday’s main grand prix.

And world champion Max Verstappen, despite his success with the format, admits he is no fan.

“Honestly, I’m just not a big fan of it because I feel like we don’t really race,” said the Red Bull driver.

“There are only a few points that you get, but you also know that you can’t really risk much because the main race is where you really get the points.”

He said the lack of pitstops and the leading drivers’ caution then leads to less exciting races.

“I do like the one practice and then straight into qualifying,” said Verstappen. “It’s less practice for everyone to get fully up to speed, and you need to really nail the setup, so that’s ok.

“But I always feel that when I go into a sprint race that you’re not really risking a lot and just wanting to play safe.”

It is believed Formula 1 has listened to that sort of feedback and are now considering holding separate qualifying sessions for both the sprint and the grand prix.

“What I’d like is having qualifying for the sprint on Friday and qualifying for the main race on Saturday morning, as the free practice currently isn’t very meaningful for anyone,” said Haas boss Gunther Steiner.

When asked about that, Verstappen answered: “I honestly haven’t thought about it.

“I know that there will be six next year, so we can come up with things to discuss if we want it to be different and a bit more exciting.”