Source:REUTERS/JAKUB PORZYCKI
[Saba Sports News] According to motorsport.com, as competition intensifies for the increasingly popular F1 Sprint format, the number of Sprints per season could be increased to more than 6, potentially even reaching 10, by 2027. F1 introduced the Sprint format in the 2021 season, aiming to add excitement to Grand Prix weekends and provide a more attractive product for TV and live audiences. The format was initially trialed with three Sprints per year. After repeated adjustments to address early criticism from fans and teams, the number of Sprints was increased to six starting from 2023. With the F1 calendar expanding to up to 24 Grands Prix, this means only a quarter of the races each season have the chance to host a Sprint. As public perception of the format has gradually become more positive, more event promoters have begun recognizing the value of Sprints, and competition for them has intensified. Discussions are currently underway to increase this number to around 10 as early as 2027. This would require support from the commercial rights holder (FOM), the governing body (FIA), and the teams. Regarding this, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated: “Free practice only attracts super professionals; those who want to see more action prefer the Sprint weekend. From Friday, there is more to discuss and comment on – because there’s qualifying – but I understand it must become part of F1 culture. The direction is clear: I can guarantee that in a few years, all weekends will have the same format. I’m not saying we’ll have a Sprint at every race like MotoGP – that would be too big a step. I see it more as a maturation process that respects traditionalist approaches.”