Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is keen to further develop the sprint race format, and he is not ruling out significant changes. Among the considerations are expanding the number of sprint weekends and reversing the starting order of the sprint race based on qualification – a concept already applied in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Lewis Hamilton supports this idea, while his teammate Charles Leclerc is noticeably less enthusiastic.
Stefano Domenicali is exploring ways to make the sprint format more exciting. A notable idea he is considering is the introduction of a reversed starting grid for sprint races, where the fastest drivers from the qualification have to start at the back. These reversed starting grids are already used in Formula 2 and Formula 3 and are expected to result in more overtaking and spectacle on the track. Additionally, expanding the number of sprint weekends is also on Domenicali’s agenda. According to the Italian, several drivers are enthusiastic about these changes, including Lewis Hamilton. However, teammate Charles Leclerc is not in favor.
Ferrari Drivers Divided
“I enjoy the sprint weekends,” Hamilton told the media in Baku. “Years ago, I complained that we had the exact same setup every weekend. So we changed a few things, and I actually quite like the sprint races.” According to the seven-time world champion, the limited free practice sessions add extra tension. “These weekends are more intense due to the fewer number of free practice sessions. Fans also like this format. From an entertainment perspective, there are moments in the season when sprint races really fit well.”Leclerc has a slightly different view on the future of the format. While Hamilton is open to innovation, the Monegasque is quite satisfied with the current format. “We haven’t really discussed it in detail,” he said. “But as far as I’m concerned, we now have enough sprint weekends. I wouldn’t necessarily want more.” The Ferrari driver is even more adamant about the idea of a reverse starting grid. “I don’t know… certainly not during a normal race weekend,” he asserts. “You might consider it for the sprint races, but it’s not really something that fits with the DNA of Formula 1.”
