I'm sure you've all heard by now that it's all change for the F1 Sprint race in 2023. If you haven't, then where have you been? Social media has since been alight with many differing opinions surrounding the changes and I'm twitching to be let loose and tell you mine. That's what you're here for, right?
So, let's begin with a quick recap of the original format and the impending changes that await us for this weekend's upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The first sprint race in Formula One took place at Silverstone at the 2021 British Grand Prix, where it was trialed as a new qualifying format that was potentially planned to be introduced into F1 on a more regular basis at some point in the near future. That weekend entailed a practice and qualifying session for the sprint race on the Friday, a second practice session and the sprint race (which would determine the grid for Sunday) on the Saturday, followed by the Grand Prix on the Sunday. This was trialed throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons with a mixed response from fans. However, for 2023, it's all change. Friday and Sunday are now purely based around Sunday's race with a practice session and qualifying on the Friday followed by the usual race on the Sunday. As for Saturday, it's all about the sprint, with a shoot out in the morning to determine the grid for the sprint race which takes place in the afternoon. Are you still with me? Good. If not, here's a graphic from the F1 website.
As mentioned before, there has been some mixed reviews surrounding the changes with the majority, from what I've seen on social media, not too keen on what awaits us race fans. But, what do I think? Well, my initial thoughts were relatively negative but after some thought I am nothing more than in two minds. Is it good, is it bad? Will it work? Will it be another failed attempt at fixing something that isn't broke? Who knows!
Well, first of all, as they say, you need to look at the positives in every situation. The new format means more racing and more entertaining on-track action for the fans. For drivers, it means making race day preparation a bit more exciting. And, as for F1 itself, it means more money and potentially more drama for the likes of "Drive To Survive," which henceforth may lead to a wider audience. Although let's be honest, us long time F1 fans are getting a bit tired of the "corporate influence" that seems to be clouding over F1 in recent years and in my opinion, that's what all these new formats and changes are about. Regardless, I was never a fan of the sprint being used as a new qualifying format so, I do have to admit, the new sprint race structure is a bit of an improvement.
But, this doesn't mean I'm now a fan. If anything the addition of a stand alone sprint seems quite random. I know that points are awarded in the sprint so, at the end of the day it could make the championship battle that little more exciting, but with the Grand Prix race looming only 24 hours later, do we really think teams and drivers are going to want to take many risks? Will the teams closer to the back of the field feel any incentive to try and fight the big guys?The big awards come on the Sunday, after all.
I also worry that the addition of a stand-alone sprint race may deminish the excitement of the actual Grand Prix. There's something fitting about the excitement building over the course of the weekend. From practice, to qualifying, to the race; it builds on every session. Could having another race slap bang in the middle of the weekend effect that in any way?
And, then there's F1's past attempts at improving qualifying and on-track action. Remember 2016 and the elimination style qualifying that lasted only two weekends because it was that bad? Yeah, that happened. It makes you dubious about future trials!
I seem to have a lot of "what ifs" surrounding this new format and as a long time F1 fan, I'm used to the usual routine of an F1 weekend. Anything new is just weird. My reservations are totally normal. But that's were I need to be a bit more relaxed. As F1 continues to gain in popularity and use it's "corporate influence" to it's advantage, it's going to evolve. It's just something we need to accept. As long as there is good racing, why should it matter, as such?
Anyway, part of me is actually quite excited to give the new sprint format a go despite my concerns. I'm intrigued, to say the least. Follow my Twitter - @bronxpree to hear my opinions after the weekend.
Do you have your doubts about the new format or are you buzzing for an extra race during the weekend? Let me know below!
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