Formula 1 top Bosses are considering some major changes to the sprint race format, including scheduling qualifying for the sprint on Friday and running the sprint race on Saturday before qualifying for the main race. The grid for the sprint could even be partially reversed, adding an extra element of excitement and unpredictability. These changes would be aimed at making the sprint races more competitive and exciting, while also addressing concerns about driver safety.
In an effort to improve driver safety in the event of extreme weather conditions, the FIA is considering changes to the technical regulations that would allow teams to add an extra cooling duct to their cars. This would allow more air to be channeled to the driver, and could potentially be combined with the use of cooling race suits. However, to prevent teams that choose not to use the cooling suits from gaining an advantage, the FIA is also considering a rule change that would require them to add ballast to their cars to maintain an equal competitive environment.
F1’s sporting advisory committee will examine the potential consequences of these changes before formally presenting them for approval in January. While Red Bull team principal Christian Horner supports the idea of keeping the action going on all three days, he does raise concerns about whether reversing the grid for the sprint races could introduce undesirable consequences. Ultimately, the goal is to make the sprint races more exciting and competitive, but it is important to consider all potential outcomes.
At the F1 Commission meeting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, several potential changes were announced, including a possible overhaul of the sprint race format. The current sprint race format has been criticized for being confusing, with qualifying for the grand prix on Friday, the sprint race on Saturday, and the grand prix on Sunday. The F1 Commission is considering moving qualifying for the grand prix to Saturday, with the sprint race happening on Sunday. This would bring the sprint race closer to the grand prix and make the entire weekend more streamlined.
The FIA’s statement highlighted the broad support for changes to the sprint race format among the F1 Commission members. A more detailed discussion on these changes will take place at the next F1 Commission meeting in the new year, at which point a final decision will be made. In addition to the sprint format changes, the F1 Commission also addressed other issues, including:
- The introduction of devices to reduce spray from cars in wet weather conditions.
- A decision to abandon the proposed ban on tyre-heating blankets for 2025.
- An agreement that teams must not begin developing their cars for the new 2026 technical regulations until the change is been implemented
Do you think this change will make the game more interesting and exciting ? Drop your thoughts on the comments box.
