The case for sprint races<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMore racing across the weekend<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGrand Prix racing always has and always will be about just that: racing. Not just pitting the machines against each other, but testing the drivers\u2019 skill in combat. Qualifying in its current format tests the drivers on a single lap, and that\u2019s great. But you can have all the pace across one lap, and it means squat if you can\u2019t convert it during a race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sprint qualifying format will effectively extend the race distance by 100km. When the chequered flag comes out on Saturday, the race will effectively be paused, and pick up again from the Grand Prix on Sunday. For fans attending the whole weekend, that means more action for your buck. While Fridays practice sessions have a unique atmosphere and great for die-hards to inspect the cars, they provide little in the way of competitive action. With sprint races, there will be a competitive race every day of the weekend, making it more worth your while to attend every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also means more pressure on the drivers, but also more opportunity for redemption. A driver now has to nail qualifying and a race before the Grand Prix on Sunday. But equally, should a driver misstep \u2013 for instance, failing to qualify where they’d expect to on Friday \u2013 they have an opportunity to right that wrong in the Sprint Race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F2 has paved the way successfully<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRacing fans who follow the junior series will already be familiar with the sprint race format. Until the 2021 season, the support series held its qualifying on Friday, a longer feature race on Saturday, and then a sprint race on Sunday ahead of F1\u2019s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some subtle differences, however. Much of the drama came from the fact the grid from the sprint race was dependant on the result of the feature, with the top eight finishers being reversed for the sprint race grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That won\u2019t be happening in F1. Reversing grids was discussed, but ultimately, a gimmick too far for the teams to agree to. But that doesn\u2019t mean there won\u2019t be plenty to race for in F1\u2019s qualifying races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"F2](\"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/1018166901-SUT-20200808-F22005_144954MS2_7897-edited.jpg\")
Support series like F2 have used sprint races as a way to run a mixed up grid
Copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile drivers like George Russell has garnered a reputation as \u2018Mr Saturday\u2019, having never lost a qualifying battle with a teammate, he\u2019ll have to get his elbows out to ensure he puts his Williams as high up the grid as possible. This could benefit drivers who are better in racing conflicts, like Lando Norris or Sergio Perez. That could create grids that are a truer reflection of the grid\u2019s racing abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sprint races could open the door for more varied qualifying<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nF1 hasn\u2019t always had great success with new qualifying formats. The timed elimination idea, where a driver was booted out every 90 seconds, was an absolute disaster. It ended with barely any action on track, and the drivers weighed and in their motorhomes before the chequered flag was waved. It did not last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the current shootout format is tried and tested. There\u2019s plenty of action, the fastest drivers come out on top, and it has the ability to produce exciting grids for the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So why change it? Well, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s a success, then organisers could have more than one format to choose from for future events. Ross Brawn has already stated he doesn\u2019t expect every Grand Prix will utilise Sprint Qualifying if it proves popular, but mixing it up week-on-week could keep the weekend\u2019s feeling fresh. And what\u2019s to say there aren\u2019t more formats to be tested and thrown into the mix?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The arguments against sprint races<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA sprint race will take away from the sanctity of the Grand Prix<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen Lance Stroll took his first pole position in Turkey in 2020, his joy was palpable. When Sergio Perez took his victory in Bahrain, he wept and made sure his son was watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if a driver takes his first pole on a Friday, and gets pole for the sprint race, it\u2019s only half a job done. They\u2019ll then have 100km to keep the rest of the grid behind to secure the top spot for Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And should they pull it off, how will they feel when they take the sprint race chequer? Sure, they\u2019ll have three points to their name, but it will have a fraction of the meaning of taking a win at the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we\u2019re bound to see is pole position and taking a race win meaning less to the drivers. While we get more action, it might end up being less<\/em> exciting for the drivers and fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cash-strapped teams will be disadvantaged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMotorsport is an expensive business. One of the most commonly replaced parts on an F1 car \u2013 the nose cone \u2013 costs up to $300,000 each. That\u2019s a lot to spend on lap 1 damage. And with an extra 100km to go wheel-to-wheel, the odds of picking up significant damage has risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The budget cap will help this, and it has been agreed that the cap will be extended by $200,000 to cover any additional damages. But for a big hit \u2013 think Bottas and Russell\u2019s crash in Imola \u2013 that will hardly scratch the surface. It\u2019s estimated that both cars racked up \u00a31million worth of repairs and new parts. Clearly, a team like Williams will feel that hit more than Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/1018565985-SUT-20210418-GP2102_135334_MS27691-edited.jpg\")
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas just before their crash in Imola.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will just act as a pause to proceedings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA Grand Prix must be run over a distance of 300km on Sunday. The new sprint race will be held over one-third of that at 100km. So, there is an argument that the sprint race doesn\u2019t actually change anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will extend the race to 400km, and simply throw in a day-long pause between the first 100km and the remaining 300km. As the cars will pick up from where they left off on Saturday, it isn\u2019t actually bringing anything new to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That might not be a problem. More racing action is a positive for fans, and the first 100km will have a different strategy as pit stops are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with less at stake, will it actually devalue a Saturday\u2019s worth of racing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUltimately, whichever side of the fence you\u2019re on right now doesn\u2019t really matter. Formula 1 is trialling the races with no obligation to using them full-time. And that in itself is positive; seeing the sport try new things will push it forwards and spark innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s give it a go, reserve judgement until we\u2019ve seen it in action, and then make up our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Grand Prix racing always has and always will be about just that: racing. Not just pitting the machines against each other, but testing the drivers\u2019 skill in combat. Qualifying in its current format tests the drivers on a single lap, and that\u2019s great. But you can have all the pace across one lap, and it means squat if you can\u2019t convert it during a race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sprint qualifying format will effectively extend the race distance by 100km. When the chequered flag comes out on Saturday, the race will effectively be paused, and pick up again from the Grand Prix on Sunday. For fans attending the whole weekend, that means more action for your buck. While Fridays practice sessions have a unique atmosphere and great for die-hards to inspect the cars, they provide little in the way of competitive action. With sprint races, there will be a competitive race every day of the weekend, making it more worth your while to attend every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also means more pressure on the drivers, but also more opportunity for redemption. A driver now has to nail qualifying and a race before the Grand Prix on Sunday. But equally, should a driver misstep \u2013 for instance, failing to qualify where they’d expect to on Friday \u2013 they have an opportunity to right that wrong in the Sprint Race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F2 has paved the way successfully<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRacing fans who follow the junior series will already be familiar with the sprint race format. Until the 2021 season, the support series held its qualifying on Friday, a longer feature race on Saturday, and then a sprint race on Sunday ahead of F1\u2019s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some subtle differences, however. Much of the drama came from the fact the grid from the sprint race was dependant on the result of the feature, with the top eight finishers being reversed for the sprint race grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That won\u2019t be happening in F1. Reversing grids was discussed, but ultimately, a gimmick too far for the teams to agree to. But that doesn\u2019t mean there won\u2019t be plenty to race for in F1\u2019s qualifying races.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSupport series like F2 have used sprint races as a way to run a mixed up grid
Copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile drivers like George Russell has garnered a reputation as \u2018Mr Saturday\u2019, having never lost a qualifying battle with a teammate, he\u2019ll have to get his elbows out to ensure he puts his Williams as high up the grid as possible. This could benefit drivers who are better in racing conflicts, like Lando Norris or Sergio Perez. That could create grids that are a truer reflection of the grid\u2019s racing abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sprint races could open the door for more varied qualifying<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nF1 hasn\u2019t always had great success with new qualifying formats. The timed elimination idea, where a driver was booted out every 90 seconds, was an absolute disaster. It ended with barely any action on track, and the drivers weighed and in their motorhomes before the chequered flag was waved. It did not last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the current shootout format is tried and tested. There\u2019s plenty of action, the fastest drivers come out on top, and it has the ability to produce exciting grids for the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So why change it? Well, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s a success, then organisers could have more than one format to choose from for future events. Ross Brawn has already stated he doesn\u2019t expect every Grand Prix will utilise Sprint Qualifying if it proves popular, but mixing it up week-on-week could keep the weekend\u2019s feeling fresh. And what\u2019s to say there aren\u2019t more formats to be tested and thrown into the mix?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The arguments against sprint races<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA sprint race will take away from the sanctity of the Grand Prix<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen Lance Stroll took his first pole position in Turkey in 2020, his joy was palpable. When Sergio Perez took his victory in Bahrain, he wept and made sure his son was watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if a driver takes his first pole on a Friday, and gets pole for the sprint race, it\u2019s only half a job done. They\u2019ll then have 100km to keep the rest of the grid behind to secure the top spot for Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And should they pull it off, how will they feel when they take the sprint race chequer? Sure, they\u2019ll have three points to their name, but it will have a fraction of the meaning of taking a win at the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we\u2019re bound to see is pole position and taking a race win meaning less to the drivers. While we get more action, it might end up being less<\/em> exciting for the drivers and fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cash-strapped teams will be disadvantaged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMotorsport is an expensive business. One of the most commonly replaced parts on an F1 car \u2013 the nose cone \u2013 costs up to $300,000 each. That\u2019s a lot to spend on lap 1 damage. And with an extra 100km to go wheel-to-wheel, the odds of picking up significant damage has risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The budget cap will help this, and it has been agreed that the cap will be extended by $200,000 to cover any additional damages. But for a big hit \u2013 think Bottas and Russell\u2019s crash in Imola \u2013 that will hardly scratch the surface. It\u2019s estimated that both cars racked up \u00a31million worth of repairs and new parts. Clearly, a team like Williams will feel that hit more than Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorge Russell and Valtteri Bottas just before their crash in Imola.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will just act as a pause to proceedings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA Grand Prix must be run over a distance of 300km on Sunday. The new sprint race will be held over one-third of that at 100km. So, there is an argument that the sprint race doesn\u2019t actually change anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will extend the race to 400km, and simply throw in a day-long pause between the first 100km and the remaining 300km. As the cars will pick up from where they left off on Saturday, it isn\u2019t actually bringing anything new to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That might not be a problem. More racing action is a positive for fans, and the first 100km will have a different strategy as pit stops are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with less at stake, will it actually devalue a Saturday\u2019s worth of racing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUltimately, whichever side of the fence you\u2019re on right now doesn\u2019t really matter. Formula 1 is trialling the races with no obligation to using them full-time. And that in itself is positive; seeing the sport try new things will push it forwards and spark innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s give it a go, reserve judgement until we\u2019ve seen it in action, and then make up our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
While drivers like George Russell has garnered a reputation as \u2018Mr Saturday\u2019, having never lost a qualifying battle with a teammate, he\u2019ll have to get his elbows out to ensure he puts his Williams as high up the grid as possible. This could benefit drivers who are better in racing conflicts, like Lando Norris or Sergio Perez. That could create grids that are a truer reflection of the grid\u2019s racing abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sprint races could open the door for more varied qualifying<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nF1 hasn\u2019t always had great success with new qualifying formats. The timed elimination idea, where a driver was booted out every 90 seconds, was an absolute disaster. It ended with barely any action on track, and the drivers weighed and in their motorhomes before the chequered flag was waved. It did not last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the current shootout format is tried and tested. There\u2019s plenty of action, the fastest drivers come out on top, and it has the ability to produce exciting grids for the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So why change it? Well, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s a success, then organisers could have more than one format to choose from for future events. Ross Brawn has already stated he doesn\u2019t expect every Grand Prix will utilise Sprint Qualifying if it proves popular, but mixing it up week-on-week could keep the weekend\u2019s feeling fresh. And what\u2019s to say there aren\u2019t more formats to be tested and thrown into the mix?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The arguments against sprint races<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA sprint race will take away from the sanctity of the Grand Prix<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen Lance Stroll took his first pole position in Turkey in 2020, his joy was palpable. When Sergio Perez took his victory in Bahrain, he wept and made sure his son was watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if a driver takes his first pole on a Friday, and gets pole for the sprint race, it\u2019s only half a job done. They\u2019ll then have 100km to keep the rest of the grid behind to secure the top spot for Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And should they pull it off, how will they feel when they take the sprint race chequer? Sure, they\u2019ll have three points to their name, but it will have a fraction of the meaning of taking a win at the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we\u2019re bound to see is pole position and taking a race win meaning less to the drivers. While we get more action, it might end up being less<\/em> exciting for the drivers and fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cash-strapped teams will be disadvantaged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMotorsport is an expensive business. One of the most commonly replaced parts on an F1 car \u2013 the nose cone \u2013 costs up to $300,000 each. That\u2019s a lot to spend on lap 1 damage. And with an extra 100km to go wheel-to-wheel, the odds of picking up significant damage has risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The budget cap will help this, and it has been agreed that the cap will be extended by $200,000 to cover any additional damages. But for a big hit \u2013 think Bottas and Russell\u2019s crash in Imola \u2013 that will hardly scratch the surface. It\u2019s estimated that both cars racked up \u00a31million worth of repairs and new parts. Clearly, a team like Williams will feel that hit more than Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorge Russell and Valtteri Bottas just before their crash in Imola.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will just act as a pause to proceedings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA Grand Prix must be run over a distance of 300km on Sunday. The new sprint race will be held over one-third of that at 100km. So, there is an argument that the sprint race doesn\u2019t actually change anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will extend the race to 400km, and simply throw in a day-long pause between the first 100km and the remaining 300km. As the cars will pick up from where they left off on Saturday, it isn\u2019t actually bringing anything new to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That might not be a problem. More racing action is a positive for fans, and the first 100km will have a different strategy as pit stops are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with less at stake, will it actually devalue a Saturday\u2019s worth of racing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUltimately, whichever side of the fence you\u2019re on right now doesn\u2019t really matter. Formula 1 is trialling the races with no obligation to using them full-time. And that in itself is positive; seeing the sport try new things will push it forwards and spark innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s give it a go, reserve judgement until we\u2019ve seen it in action, and then make up our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
A sprint race will take away from the sanctity of the Grand Prix<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen Lance Stroll took his first pole position in Turkey in 2020, his joy was palpable. When Sergio Perez took his victory in Bahrain, he wept and made sure his son was watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if a driver takes his first pole on a Friday, and gets pole for the sprint race, it\u2019s only half a job done. They\u2019ll then have 100km to keep the rest of the grid behind to secure the top spot for Sunday\u2019s race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And should they pull it off, how will they feel when they take the sprint race chequer? Sure, they\u2019ll have three points to their name, but it will have a fraction of the meaning of taking a win at the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we\u2019re bound to see is pole position and taking a race win meaning less to the drivers. While we get more action, it might end up being less<\/em> exciting for the drivers and fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cash-strapped teams will be disadvantaged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMotorsport is an expensive business. One of the most commonly replaced parts on an F1 car \u2013 the nose cone \u2013 costs up to $300,000 each. That\u2019s a lot to spend on lap 1 damage. And with an extra 100km to go wheel-to-wheel, the odds of picking up significant damage has risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The budget cap will help this, and it has been agreed that the cap will be extended by $200,000 to cover any additional damages. But for a big hit \u2013 think Bottas and Russell\u2019s crash in Imola \u2013 that will hardly scratch the surface. It\u2019s estimated that both cars racked up \u00a31million worth of repairs and new parts. Clearly, a team like Williams will feel that hit more than Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorge Russell and Valtteri Bottas just before their crash in Imola.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will just act as a pause to proceedings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA Grand Prix must be run over a distance of 300km on Sunday. The new sprint race will be held over one-third of that at 100km. So, there is an argument that the sprint race doesn\u2019t actually change anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will extend the race to 400km, and simply throw in a day-long pause between the first 100km and the remaining 300km. As the cars will pick up from where they left off on Saturday, it isn\u2019t actually bringing anything new to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That might not be a problem. More racing action is a positive for fans, and the first 100km will have a different strategy as pit stops are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with less at stake, will it actually devalue a Saturday\u2019s worth of racing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUltimately, whichever side of the fence you\u2019re on right now doesn\u2019t really matter. Formula 1 is trialling the races with no obligation to using them full-time. And that in itself is positive; seeing the sport try new things will push it forwards and spark innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s give it a go, reserve judgement until we\u2019ve seen it in action, and then make up our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
The cash-strapped teams will be disadvantaged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMotorsport is an expensive business. One of the most commonly replaced parts on an F1 car \u2013 the nose cone \u2013 costs up to $300,000 each. That\u2019s a lot to spend on lap 1 damage. And with an extra 100km to go wheel-to-wheel, the odds of picking up significant damage has risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The budget cap will help this, and it has been agreed that the cap will be extended by $200,000 to cover any additional damages. But for a big hit \u2013 think Bottas and Russell\u2019s crash in Imola \u2013 that will hardly scratch the surface. It\u2019s estimated that both cars racked up \u00a31million worth of repairs and new parts. Clearly, a team like Williams will feel that hit more than Mercedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorge Russell and Valtteri Bottas just before their crash in Imola.
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will just act as a pause to proceedings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA Grand Prix must be run over a distance of 300km on Sunday. The new sprint race will be held over one-third of that at 100km. So, there is an argument that the sprint race doesn\u2019t actually change anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will extend the race to 400km, and simply throw in a day-long pause between the first 100km and the remaining 300km. As the cars will pick up from where they left off on Saturday, it isn\u2019t actually bringing anything new to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That might not be a problem. More racing action is a positive for fans, and the first 100km will have a different strategy as pit stops are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with less at stake, will it actually devalue a Saturday\u2019s worth of racing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nUltimately, whichever side of the fence you\u2019re on right now doesn\u2019t really matter. Formula 1 is trialling the races with no obligation to using them full-time. And that in itself is positive; seeing the sport try new things will push it forwards and spark innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s give it a go, reserve judgement until we\u2019ve seen it in action, and then make up our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Image copyright: Motorsport Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
But before the budget cap starts properly in 2022, the teams with the lesser finances could be the ones paying the price for trialling sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n