MotorMouth – Formula One’s bid to introduce ‘sprint races’ edges closer after teams back the radical proposal to replace the traditional qualifying format which decides a grand prix starting order

11.02.21

Formula One’s bid to introduce ‘sprint races’ edges closer after teams back the radical proposal to replace the traditional qualifying format which decides a grand prix starting order

Formula One edged a step closer to introducing sprint races this season after the idea received unanimous approval from the teams in a meeting on Thursday. F1 bosses tabled the format of a shorter race on Saturdays, which would replace qualifying and determine the grid for Sunday’s grand prix. If given the green light, it is set be trialled at this season’s Canadian, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix. It is also unclear whether the sprint event would count as a victory, or merely pole position for Sunday’s grand prix. There are currently two practice sessions on Friday, followed by a third on Saturday ahead of qualifying. The race would be approximately half the length of Sunday’s grand prix.

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