In my own opinion, the simple answer is no. But that can be debatable. As a motorsport fan I want to see as much on track action as I can and, despite this, I really don’t think that the sprint race is well suited to Formula One and it’s needs.
As someone who was never a big fan of the Sprint Qualifying format (qualifying should be qualifying), I was dubious to see how the new format would play out. Click here to see my initial thoughts about it before the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. And, now that
the inaugural stand alone sprint race is done and dusted, we have a better understanding of it. My verdict? I don’t think it’s the right direction for the sport that I love so much.
I won’t lie, I was extremely quick to criticise the new format after it was announced. Maybe it’s because I’ve been a fan of F1 for so long and I’m used to the “normal” F1 ways? I don’t know. Regardless of my hesitatuion, on Sprint day, I did have a random wave of excitement. An extra race? Give it to me. And, for the first few laps it lived up to some expectation.
But that didn’t last. After a first lap tussle between Max Verstappen and George Russell, the rest of the race was relatively calm. Simply, drivers didn’t fancy taking any unnecessary risks that could have a detrimental effect on Sunday’s Grand Prix. Why would they? The big awards come then. Ironically, I think it all played out to the complete opposite as to what Formula One management were aiming for.
One issue that seems to have arisen since the sprint race is that some drivers failed to adjust properly to the new format. With only the one practice session before going straight into qualifying for the main grand prix race; car set ups and tyre compound choices were all over the place. Just take a look at the likes of Lando Norris and his soft tyre deg in the sprint. Carlos Sainz has also been relatively vocal on how the sprint format screwed up his weekend saying that he was “on the limit of crashing” due to limited practice and the dreaded parc-ferme rule which came into fruition a lot earlier in the weekend than usual. The overall fact is, this isn’t Formula 2. The sprint works wonders there. But, this is F1 and F1 cars are a more complex machinery and a one hour practice session just isn’t enough for car, team and driver.
But, what about the fans? Well, opinions still seem to be divided. It’s like marmite, I suppose. Some people are for and some are against.
A common dislike seems to be that qualifying, with this new format, is on a Friday and, for the majority of people, life happens. Qualifying is a pivotal part of the F1 weekend and Friday Qualifying just isn’t practical for many people, including myself. (I know there’s catchup TV these days but it just isn’t the same, ok?) Also, did everyone’s focus on the sprint race take away the excitement from the Grand Prix? Honestly, it’s possible.
There are so many factors to consider but are Formula One focusing on the right thing? Do they want better, more competitive racing or do they want better entertainment, to put on a better show? Either way, the sprint didn’t deliver, in that sense.
So, what does F1 need to do next?
Well, if this follows previous trends then the sprint isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, despite the outcry from fans who dislike the idea. I think, however, F1’s main focus needs to be the Grand Prix itself. The current car regulations seem to have made very little difference so, what can they do to give us more intense on-track battles and closer races? It’s been a question that’s been constantly asked for years gone by and it most likely will never get answered if they keep throwing in random sprint races that are honestly pretty unnecessary. It’s not about the quantity but the quality, as many people say.
Until the right changes are made, I suppose we have to accept whatever format F1 management want. One day, our thoughts and opinions will be heard.
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