F1’s latest sprint race change is logical but not more exciting –Verstappen Formula OnePublished on February 18, 2024, at 7:55. Composed by Keith Collantine

Although Max Verstappen deemed the most recent modification to Formula 1’s sprint event structure to be an improvement,

Since its introduction in 2021, Formula One has changed the layout of its sprint format annually. The most recent change is to the schedule of the sessions.

As was the case prior to the introduction of the sprint format, the new arrangement guarantees that qualifying for the grand prix will always be the final F1 track action on Saturdays. At certain rounds, the sprint races will take place early in the morning because they will be held beforehand.

According to Verstappen, the new order makes “a bit more logic” today. At the team’s launch event, the driver—who has won more sprint races than anybody else—told the media, including RaceFans, “for me, I don’t get more excited by winning a sprint or competing for these kind of races.”Additionally, teams now have more leeway to modify their cars during sprint race weekends because to revisions to F1’s parc ferme regulations. Verstappen commended the modification

It’s a little better, he stated. Sometimes you become trapped and realize that there’s nothing much you can do to save your weekend. It will undoubtedly be helpful.

Pierre Gasly, an Alpine driver, referred to the parc ferme alteration as a “wonderful” decision.
He stated, “I think that was lacking, sure.” We had incredible, bright, intelligent people last year who, on a Friday afternoon, we had to stop them from touching anything on our automobile. They are the greatest because that is what they get paid to do.
According to Gasly, the prior sprint weekend schedule gave teams insufficient time to upgrade their vehicles.

It was a little depressing because they are capable of considerably more than simply a few clicks on the front wing flap and tire pressure. F1 represents the pinnacle of engineering, therefore I believe it’s fantastic that we still allow them to work on these ongoing advancements over the weekend.

“You’re quite constrained with your one-hour practice, so you [didn’t] have time to attempt anything,” he continued. “There was never much time for reaction when you realized that you didn’t start the weekend with the greatest setup. It was always like try to do the task in the simulator. Simply put, I felt that this was the appropriate modification.