Sprint races. They're like marmite. You either love them or you hate them. Unfortunately for the people who group themselves in the latter, it looks as if the sprint is here to stay, with six confirmed sprint races to take place throughout the 2023 season and beyond.
The sprint first came to fruition in 2021 with the inaugural race taking place at the 2021 British Grand Prix. Click here to read my opinions on that particular sprint weekend. Including the first sprint, Formula One has trialed a total of six sprint weekends. Three in 2021 and a further three in 2022. Since the closure of the 2022 Formula One season, a further six sprints have been announced. As mentioned above, these will take place next season and will be held in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, USA and Brazil. But, what do we make of these choices? I wont lie, I'm not overly hung on the idea of the sprint race acting as a replacement for qualifying. I see it as, "if it's not broke, don't fix it." However, my opinion isn't going to change anything. As for the sprint race locations, these are good tracks and have provided decent racing in the past. I would definitely, though, chop and change a few. Keep reading to discover which six tracks, that appear in the 2023 calendar, I would use for the sprint weekends.
Canada
Canada. One of my favourite circuits. It's not overly a fast track but it's long and presents some good overtaking opportunities. The weather, too, has been known to mix things up in a race, giving for some memorable classics, eg; the 2011 race. A wet sprint here could be quite interesting, indeed.
Austria
Austria has already been confirmed as a sprint for the 2023 season. The thing that makes the Red Bull Ring perfect for a sprint weekend is that it's short and mighty quick, with the lap record standing at 1:06.957. This was set by Kimi Raikkonen in 2018 - not during a sprint, however. They didn't exist then. And, with a sprint already held here in 2022, we know that this track can cause some upsets as the drivers battle their way through the field to secure their grid places for the main race the following day. Personally, I feel, if you're going to hold a sprint race, do it in Austria.
Silverstone
Like Austria, Silverstone has already been the venue of a sprint weekend. In fact, it was the site of the inaugural sprint weekend in 2021, which I've already discussed. Silverstone is a unique and historical race track in the world of Formula One. It's fast and it's challenging. It's everything a race track should be. And, just for those reasons alone, that is why I think it should continue to be a sprint race venue.
Monza
Ah, yes, Monza. Like Austria and Silverstone, this Italian venue has also had it's experience with sprint races, after one was held here in 2021. Although some drivers criticised this particular sprint race calling it "very boring," F1 management were adamant that "plenty of action" was provided.
What I like about Monza is that, again, it's high speed and it's also simplistic. The track has held the title of "fastest track on the F1 calendar" since 1991 and consists of long straights and tight chicanes. Just what I like. In recent races, Monza has coughed up some surprise podium sitters and race winners. If we could try a sprint at Monza again, I reckon it could be a good one.
Suzuka
Another classic, old school circuit. They seem to be popping up all over the place in this list. Compared to that of a roller-coaster, due to the high and slow speeds and figure of eight layout of the track, Suzuka is another prime example of a track where the sprint race could be successful. And, let's not forget the weather. When it rains in Suzuka, it pours. A mixed up grid could definitely be on the cards here.
Brazil
And, finally, Brazil! The last sprint was held here in Interlagos in 2022 and wasn't it a delight. (That's strong wording coming from me, someone not quite keen on the sprint idea!) With plenty of on-track battles and rain in the air, Interlagos delivered and thus deserves it's place on this list. I guess it's true what they say, "Interlagos never disappoints." I'm quite looking forward to seeing it as a sprint again in 2023.
So, there are my six. Canada, Austria, Silverstone, Monza, Suzuka and Brazil. All have one thing in common - they're old school circuits and, in my opinion, it's this type of circuit that provides the best racing. But, if I had my own way, sprints wouldn't exist at all. I don't really fully understand the idea behind them other than being a provider of more entertainment. They don't really do anything purposefully for the sport. But, hey-ho. Do you agree with my six tracks? Or, would you choose something different entirely? Let me know in the comment section below!
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