Formula 1 is planning to double the number of sprint races: what the drivers say and why Lewis Hamilton wants “a third version” of the race format
Formula 1 is openly considering doubling the number of sprint races from the current six to twelve per season in future. A move that has met with tangible approval not only from fans, but also in the paddock. “Personally, I love the sprint weekends,” says Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton.
“I’ve been around for a long time and I can still remember when we only had the normal weekends, and that was a bit monotonous,” says the record-breaking world champion, looking back on the past few years. The sprint races were introduced for the 2021 season, but initially only on three race weekends.
There are now already six sprint events per year, and the trend is rising. An expansion in the near future is considered likely, but the drivers warn against overdoing it. “I like the change between the two formats,” says Hamilton, underlining that the classic race weekend is still important to him.
“I don’t think you want to have it every weekend, but we would have no objection to doubling the number of races,” explains Mercedes driver George Russell, signaling his approval for twelve sprints per year. “To be honest, I enjoy it.”
Sprint format “a challenge for the drivers”
“The races in the past have been rather monotonous, but what we saw this morning was really entertaining,” says the Briton, looking ahead to the sprint in China. “And I think these new cars can offer really good racing, regardless of whether the tires are already very worn or not.”
In addition, the sprint weekends “are a very good challenge for the drivers, because you have to get up to speed quickly, as there is only one session,” recalls Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli of the only practice session on Friday.
“It might not be the best format for the team, because the engineers like to analyze data and improve the car, but I think it’s a cool format,” says the 19-year-old Italian. “After all, there’s a lot going on throughout the weekend, with two qualifying sessions, a short race and a long race.”
“And as I said, it’s a very good sign for the drivers, because you have to get up to speed quickly and be focused straight away,” added the Mercedes driver, who has a clear opinion: “I don’t actually think the format is bad at all. I actually like it.”
Lewis Hamilton calls for “a third variant”
Hamilton still sees further potential for development. “I don’t think we’ve developed the sprint weekends any further since they started, and we should think about how we could continue,” says the Ferrari driver. “Maybe there is a third option for the season.”
What does he have in mind? “For example, with more qualifying sessions,” muses Hamilton, thinking “especially of venues like Monaco, a beautiful place, the most beautiful place for us, but the race there is always the most boring because it’s always the same format.”
“I don’t know if there would be a different format for this weekend to get more out of this fantastic place, the Principality.” Formula 1’s attempt to create more excitement with two mandatory pit stops failed last year.
The rule was therefore scrapped again for this season, but Hamilton remains adamant: “I think we need to get creative instead of just having more sprint weekends,” emphasizes the seven-time world champion.
