F1 Sprint 2024: As extensively anticipated by several media outlets in advance, the long-awaited meeting involving various components of the premier motorsport category has taken place. We are referring to a necessary meeting to review a format that evidently wasn’t entirely suitable according to the operational part, including dissatisfied drivers, technicians and engineers.
On the other hand, it is these very individuals who, every race weekend, and this year there will be a total of 24, create the spectacle so dear to Liberty Media. A kind of scripted show in certain contexts that, however, must not and especially cannot ignore a factor: respect for the category and its principles. For this reason, already at the beginning of the last racing campaign, various “grievances” made themselves known.
Fortunately, the U.S.-based ownership, in collaboration with the FIA, has adopted an open approach towards those who create Formula 1 every weekend. Hence, the F1 Commission meeting, overseen by Stefano Domenicali in conjunction with the Director of Single-Seaters Nicholas Tombazis. The two former Ferrari team members listened carefully to the complaints from various teams, with the clear goal of making a final decision as soon as possible.
F1 Sprint 2024: Working to “Break” Parc Fermé on Saturdays
From the information gathered, the first decisions that will be put into effect before the start of the championship are leaking. The discussion has covered various topics, primarily setting six sprint weekends. These are the Grand Prix events that will host this particular format: China, Miami, Austria, COTA, Brazil, and Qatar. Furthermore, the only 60 minutes available for setting up the cars and finding the correct setup will continue to be present.
However, the qualifying sessions determining the grid for the F1 Sprint will take place on Friday, just a few hours later than FP1. Saturday, on the other hand, will be dedicated to the qualifying session for the Sunday race and the 100km sprint race, which will continue to award points to drivers and teams without further changes. For Sunday, the classic event that fully respects its history.
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A question mark remains regarding the much-discussed parc fermé rules. As far as we know, the teams have asked to access the cars on Saturday to adjust the setup of the single-seaters where it may not be adequate. This would be a measure that would give more space to the technicians, allowing them to put a more factual car on the track regarding the achievement of set goals.
In this case, it can be said that if the desired “Yes” is granted, it would be a significant victory because respecting the spirit of the category in a context created specifically for it would somehow eliminate a “technical delegitimization” that would not make sense to continue at this point. Negotiations are ongoing, and according to Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica, there is a 50% chance that this prerogative will be successful.
Finally, a comment on further changes. We refer to the step back regarding power unit regulations, as from the next championship, the available power units before incurring a penalty will be 4 instead of 3. Considering the abundance of world championship events, it seemed like the minimum, giving more room to technicians who will be able to face power unit rotation with a more reasonable margin.
As for the DRS (Drag Reduction System) that manages the opening of the rear wing and reduces aerodynamic drag, a system on which Red Bull has built part of its success, it should be noted that from 2024, its activation will be possible after the completion of the first lap or, if applicable, after a restart following a double yellow flag condition with the presence of the Safety Car. The so-called “black on white” will not be added before February 28, the date when the World Motor Sport Council will meet.
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