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F1 President, Stefano Domenicali, confirms that the Formula 1 calendar will include six sprint races a season from 2023 onwards.
The sprint race format was introduced in 2021 and its popularity amongst fans is evident. A sprint race weekend pushes the qualifying up to Friday and takes its place on Saturday, setting up the grid for Sunday’s race.
Last year’s sprint races added a new element to the race weekend. The excitement of doing something different than the traditional practice, qualifying, race is something Stefano Domenicali, F1 President, appreciates, stating:
“I am pleased that we can confirm six Sprints will be part of the Championship from 2023 onwards. Building on the success of the new format introduced for the first time in 2021.”
“The Sprint provides action across three days with the drivers all fighting for something right from the start on Friday through to the main event on Sunday, adding more drama and excitement to the weekend.”
“The feedback from the fans, teams, promoters, and partners has been very positive. The format is adding a new dimension to Formula 1, and we all want to ensure its success in the future.”
FIA President:
Changing formats is not something common in the motorsport world. However, the sprint race format extension next season is growth for the sport. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, stated:
“The confirmation that six race weekends featuring Sprint will take place from the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season onwards is another example of the continued growth and prosperity at the highest level of motor sport.”
“Thanks to close collaboration with Stefano Domenicali and our colleagues at FOM, we concluded a thorough analysis on the impact of additional Sprint sessions and have adjusted relevant parameters of our work to ensure that they continue to be regulated at the very highest level.”
“Sprint sessions provide an exciting dynamic to the race weekend format and have proven to be popular over the past two seasons – I am sure that this positive trend will continue and am pleased that the World Motor Sport Council has today given its approval for them to go ahead.”
2022 Sprint Races:
Two of the three sprint races for 2022 have taken place at Imola and Red Bull Ring. This leaves the Interlagos as the last sprint race and a good chance for teams to rack up extra points. The battle in the Constructors Championship between Ferrari and Mercedes and also in the midfield is close.
Headline Image Credit: F1 Official Website