Formula 1 is in discussions with teams to implement a revision of the Sprint format for the 2024 season, which would see the two qualifying sessions swap places.
F1 altered the format of its six Sprint weekends for this year. Instead of determining the starting grid for the main Sunday Grand Prix, the Sprint race is held after a separate qualifying session on Saturday, breaking away from the rest of the weekend.
However, the separation of Friday’s main race qualifying and Saturday’s standalone Sprint day disrupted the flow of the weekend, causing confusion among fans.
Additionally, it posed challenges for the teams, as their cars were subject to parc fermé rules starting from the only Friday free practice session.
Following reactions from fans and teams, discussions have begun between F1 and the teams to propose a format revision for 2024 that aligns the six Sprint weekends more closely with the traditional Grand Prix schedule.
One proposal involves moving Sunday Grand Prix qualifying back to its typical Saturday afternoon slot, while the race would take place on Saturday morning. The Sprint Shootout, which determines the Sprint race grid, would be moved to Friday afternoon after a single free practice session.
This way, the parc fermé could be reopened after the Saturday morning Sprint, allowing teams to make adjustments to the setup ahead of the Grand Prix qualifying.
“We have talked to Stefano (Domenicali, F1 CEO),” said Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, in an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Obviously, the decision lies with him, but it would make everything easier.”
“You do the Sprint Shootout on Friday, and then the second qualifying for the race, which would be on Saturday at 2 o’clock, the time we’re familiar with. And this might create less confusion.”
Tom McCullough, performance director at Aston Martin, also supported the proposed changes, noting that the current format isn’t as straightforward for fans.
“We obviously had the Sporting Advisory Committee meeting this week and discussed how we can make the Sprint better,” he added.
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“The Sprint was introduced for a reason: the fans. Technically, it’s a challenge, as the car goes into parc fermé after a practice session, and it’s difficult. But from a commercial and fan perspective, I think there are interesting elements. The format has already been changed, and I think it needs a bit more because now even my father, who is a big Formula 1 enthusiast, sometimes asks me, ‘Remind me, are the main race qualifications on Friday?’ And I think if someone at that level is asking questions, fans will be confused. Our task is, therefore, to create a simpler, better, and more understandable format while retaining the excitement of two races.”
Ferrari’s Sporting Director, Diego Ioverno, warned that teams need enough time to react between Saturday morning’s Sprint and the subsequent Grand Prix qualifying session.
“If the Sprint is moved to Saturday morning, you have to make sure there is enough time for teams to react in case of issues before qualifying,” he said “There are also other options on the table. There is no final proposal yet, but our goal is that once the FIA and F1 decide on the format, the teams will need to work together to make it good for the viewers and good for us, as it is quite complex.”
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