Formula 1 changes format during sprint weekends

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Shortly before the guest appearance in Baku, Formula 1 changes its Grand Prix format for the weekends with a sprint race. Qualifying for the feature race will take place in Azerbaijan on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, instead of a second practice session, there is a shortened qualification for the sprint race that follows later. This means that of the six sprint weekends this season there is only one pure training on Friday, Saturday is completely dedicated to the sprint format.

Formula 1 wants to strengthen the show element and replaces the sometimes tough and sporty Saturday practice with a more exciting starting place hunt for the mini race. Unlike before, the result of the sprint no longer determines the starting positions for the Grand Prix on Sunday – it now takes place on Friday. The creators of the race series hope that drivers and teams will take more risks in the 100 km sprint race. Penalties for infractions in the sprint race, however, apply to the main race.

In Baku, for the first time in Formula 1, a sprint is held on a street circuit. The race teams are therefore concerned that more accidents and dangerous situations could happen in the two qualifying sessions and two races. Eight World Cup points are awarded for the sprint victory, and the eighth gets one more point.

In principle, teams and drivers had given their prior approval to the changed formula. The remaining sprint weekends are scheduled for Spielberg, Spa, Qatar, Austin and São Paulo. For the other Grand Prix, the schedule will remain as before. (SDA)

Source : Blick