Stefano Domenicali supports idea of increasing sprint weekends on Formula 1 calendar

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed support for a potential increase in the number of sprint weekends on the calendar in the future.

Having (perhaps) found the ideal sprint format to adopt, Formula 1 is now considering increasing the number of sprint weekends. Speaking about this was Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who expressed support for a potential increase in the number of sprints in the future, with the 2024 calendar already featuring six events in six different locations, namely Shanghai, Miami, Spielberg, Austin, and Losail.

“The sprint qualifiers in those incredible conditions, we raced a lot in the rain… this reminds us that we have a duty to ensure that there is some on-track action every day to entertain the fans who come here,” began the manager from Imola in a recent interview for Sky Sports.

“Increasing sprints? Why not. I would say it’s a great thing because it keeps the tension high every day. This is an aspect that will be discussed in the future.” – the former Ferrari team principal pointed out – “We need to avoid a situation like that in Japan, with cars not running. This is not positive for the people who come to see us and the drivers. I am sure the teams will understand that we need to find solutions.” – he continued.

Stefano Domenicali then stated that the topic will be discussed at the next F1 Commission meeting in Geneva: “Now let’s see how it goes this year with the sprints. But this is definitely a point of discussion that I want to address at the next F1 Commission.”

Sprint weekends were also a subject of intense debate on the eve of the weekend in China, with some drivers, including world champion Max Verstappen himself, urging Formula 1 not to overdo it with the number of sprints: “The sprint format was better, a bit simpler, I would say. But let’s not overdo it because we already have 24 races a year and six of these are sprint events. I understand. I imagine it sells better and gets more TV audience, but it’s also more stressful for the mechanics and everyone else. We have to accept it, but let’s not think that we need 12 now, because that would also weigh on people.” – the Red Bull driver explained.