Why Formula 1 Sprint Races Cause Controversy Among Teams and Excitement Among Fans

Very popular with the fans, not welcome in the paddock. The sprint races cause discussions in Formula 1.

The format of Saturday sprint races was introduced in the 2021 season. The reason: Those responsible wanted to make the race weekend more interesting for the spectators. Qualifying will be brought forward to Friday at selected locations, with a short race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday remaining unchanged.

This season, the drivers voted for six sprint races this season – a doubling compared to last year. And this despite the fact that the additional tension generated is not actually popular with the teams.

Helmut Marko explains the reason for this at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: “It’s no secret: the sprint races are charged extra and then an agreement can be reached more quickly.”

Additional payment for each sprint driven

After a further rule adjustment, qualifying for the main race on Sunday will take place on Friday this season, which Charles Leclerc won in Baku ahead of Max Verstappen. Saturday is all about the sprint. Instead of a second practice session, as in the previous two years, a second, short qualifying session called “Shoot-Out” will be held this weekend to determine the starting grid for the sprint race, which will take place a few hours later.

The teams are duly remunerated for the increased risk of accidents and the resulting damage. As the “Speedweek” reports, the teams are allowed to spend 300,000 US dollars more per sprint race. With six sprints, that’s $1.8 million more than the agreed budget cap says.

The spectators benefit from the additional excitement, as Marko also knows: “It’s a gain for the spectators and the organizer, who has action all weekend.” For the teams, on the other hand, it’s a balancing act. A mistake on Friday could ruin the whole weekend.

Max Verstappen is concerned about the development and leaves his future open under the current circumstances.

In addition to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend (LIVE-Ticker>>>), Austria (July 1st), Belgium (July 29th), Qatar (October 7th), USA – Austin (October 21st) and drove a sprint race in Brazil (November 4th).