The introduction of a second qualifying session to sprint rounds has divided opinion within the Formula 1 community ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and one driver will be particularly peeved by the changes.
On Tuesday, the FIA announced a new format for sprint weekends, in which Saturday is now effectively a stand-alone event with no bearing on Sunday’s race.
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Saturday practice has been removed from the schedule and replaced by the “sprint shootout”, which sets the grid for the sprint race later that day.
Qualifying on Friday evening will set the grid for Sunday’s grand prix, and the fastest driver in qualifying will be declared the weekend’s pole winner for the official record.
Both Friday qualifying and the sprint shootout will use the familiar Q1-Q2-Q3 format, but the shootout will run on a tighter schedule, giving drivers less time to record their lap times.
Subsequently, teams will have just one hour on Friday afternoon, when the track is at its dirtiest and least representative, to lock-in car set-up and evaluate any upgrades.
Friday — free practice, grand prix qualifying
Saturday — sprint shootout, sprint race
Sunday — grand prix
The Sun’s Ben Hunt pointed out the changes reduced the number of “dull and meaningless” practice sessions during race weekend.
“F1 has been accused of meddling in the DNA of the sport, but I like the (changes),” he wrote.
“Practice sessions have become dull and meaningless, while this revised format means there are now four things to fight for over the weekend — two qualifying sessions and two races.
“It might take a while to get your head around it, however more action can only be a good thing.
“If it goes well, I would not be surprised to see this become the regular format for all race weekends in 2024.”
Alpine recruit Pierre Gasly argued F1 weekends “definitely” didn’t need three practice sessions.
“I think one, two maximum, is more than enough for us,” he said.
“I think it‘s good to always question what we’re doing and look at how we can improve the format and just the whole format of the weekend in general.”
Mercedes driver George Russell, who serves as a director for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, echoed Gasly’s remarks.
“Obviously the more practice you do, the more up to speed you‘ll be, the more comfortable you’ll be with the car,” Russell said.
“I don’t think it’s right that Formula 1 has three times the amount of practice that you have in the F3 and F2 categories.
“I wasn‘t in favour of the sprint races initially, but … (now) I really enjoy the sprint races, and having action on a Friday I think is vital for all of us and also for the entertainment factor.”
ESPN reporter Nate Sounders tweeted: “Think the new sprint format is great. One less practice session to have to sit through and a stand-alone day with no impact on the race. Should be a lot of fun.”
The Independent’s Kieran Jackson argued that although the changes would frustrate traditionalists, having more action on race weekend was appealing for younger fans.
“Ignoring the absurdity of changes being made to a race schedule just three days before the event starts, the modifications will largely be well-received by the masses. Less practice and more action mean more interest. More eyeballs. More money,” Jackson wrote.
“All of the above will be tantalising to the coffers of the executives. The sponsors. The younger generation of fans, eager for more wheel-to-wheel action.”
However, not everybody was on board with the revamped weekend structure. Two-time world champion Max Verstappen, and outspoken critic of sprint races, warned he “won’t be around too long” if F1 continues making changes.
“I hope there won’t be too many changes, otherwise I won’t be around for too long,” the Red Bull driver said before this month’s Australian Grand Prix.
“I’m not a fan of it at all. For me, a sprint race is all about surviving, it’s not about racing.
“When you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk. I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure that you have a good race car for Sunday.
“And even if you change the format, I don’t find it’s the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kinds of sprint races.
“F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and then having an amazing Sunday, good long race distances. That’s the DNA of the sport, and I don’t understand or I don’t know why we should change that, because I think the action has been good.”
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack had no quarrels with the changes, but also hoped that F1 didn’t abandon its “DNA”.
“In general, F1 has to evolve, but also it has to keep its DNA,” he said.
“There were some constructive discussions on how to achieve that.
“You have to also understand all the stakeholders’ interests, which we do.
“But then also we have a very tight timeline now, with regulations, with tyre availability, with engine mileage and all that.
“All these points, you have to factor in and try to find a sensible compromise.”
Krack also confessed he was “nervous” about hosting the first sprint race of 2023 on a street circuit in Baku.
“I’m nervous about a sprint in Baku because you just don’t have enough time to repair if you have major damage,” he continued.
“Straight after the sprint, you have to put 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.
“But again, it’s the same for everybody, and it is not so difficult to overtake at Baku. If you take risks in the more cornering parts, then there is a higher risk (of an accident).”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner echoed Krack’s concerns, claiming it was “absolutely ludicrous” for the first sprint race of the year to be a street race.
“From a cost cap perspective, all you can do is trash your car, and it costs a lot of money around there,” Horner said.
“One race is enough in Baku … a sprint race in Azerbaijan is something to be certainly wary of.”
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gets underway in Baku this Sunday, with lights out scheduled for 9pm AEST.
Verstappen, Hamilton react to Aus finish | 00:41