Three years after its introduction, Formula 1 is still searching for the best way to make the sprint format as exciting as possible from a spectacle standpoint without altering the essence of racing. Among the many proposals circulating in recent weeks, Zak Brown has also voiced his opinion, suggesting the introduction of mandatory pit stops during sprint races.
Sprints continue to divide opinions: Zak Brown’s proposed solution
Speaking on the Track Limits podcast, the McLaren CEO does not believe that sprints take away something from traditional race weekends, but he also argues that the format needs to be reconsidered in the context of 2024: “I don’t think they take away the allure of the Grand Prix, but I think it’s necessary, and we are doing it, to examine the format.”
“I think Max Verstappen said that, overall, they haven’t been as exciting races as they could be. Whether it’s reverse grids, mandatory pit stops, supersoft tires, I think something needs to be done to spice up the race.”
Over time, the format has already undergone several changes, such as the introduction of a second qualifying session, called the ‘shootout,’ which replaced the old FP2, considered less interesting for the weekend.
Also in view of 2024, Formula 1 will slightly revise the program, with shootouts expected to take place not on Saturday morning but on Friday afternoon. Traditional qualifications will take place on Saturday afternoon, just a few hours after the end of the sprint race.
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“I think mandatory pit stops would be a good thing,” Zak Brown added. “And what if we had Supersoft tires deliberately wearing out halfway through the race, and you had to decide whether to change them or not? It would be a way to condense the race into a mini-Grand Prix and make it more effective because, at the moment, there is no strategy. In a sprint race, you only do the sprint, so I think it would be interesting.”
Despite the many criticisms the format has received, especially from Max Verstappen, Formula 1 wants to continue strongly emphasizing sprints in the coming years. The short-term goal is to identify a fixed program to maintain in the medium/long term to avoid constant upheavals from year to year.
Source: f1ingenerale
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