F1 bosses back sprint race format change for 2024

Formula 1 bosses have backed a proposal to change the format of sprint races for next season.

The plan, yet to be confirmed, would see qualifying for the sprint on Friday and the sprint on Saturday before qualifying for the main grand prix.

There is also some consideration being given to reversing at least some portion of the grid for the sprint.

Among other changes, an extra cooling duct will be permitted after concerns of heat exposure in extreme conditions.

This follows the Qatar Grand Prix in October, when several drivers needed medical attention after the race.

A change to the technical regulations will allow the teams to add an extra duct underneath the monocoque to channel air from outside the car on to the driver in addition to the usual one in the nose.

The FIA is also looking into allowing the use of cooling race suits, but this would require a change to the rules to force teams to add ballast to the car if they did not choose to use them to ensure competitive conditions were equal across the grid.

F1’s sporting advisory committee will study the potential ramifications before the idea is put up for formal approval in January.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “It is clear the sprints need to evolve a bit. I understand the concept and action on all three days, but they have at times been slightly underwhelming.

“If there can be a bit more racing introduced, perhaps, (it would be good) but then you have to look at what the consequences of that are, if you were to reverse the grid etc.”

These were among a series of changes announced after a meeting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday of the F1 Commission, the sport’s rules think-tank that includes all the teams, along with governing body the FIA and commercial rights holder F1.

The potential changes to the sprint format have been introduced because of concerns that the current system is confusing.

For the last two seasons, qualifying for the grand prix has been run on Friday, before Saturday is devoted entirely to the sprint, with a qualifying session before a race.

But it was felt the arrangement put too big a gap between qualifying and the grand prix and raised questions about the merit of Saturday’s action, as the consequences of the sprint, with its reduced points, are minimal.

A statement from the FIA said the Commission had given “overall support” to the changes to the sprint format.

The plan will be discussed again at the next meeting of the F1 Commission in the new year.

Among other changes announced were:

• A further test of devices aimed at reducing spray from the cars in wet weather, after a failure of a first attempt earlier this year.
• An agreement that “development of future tyres should be focused on reduction of overheating and improving raceability” has led to a decision to abandon the ban on tyre-heating blankets for 2025.
• An agreement that no work may be carried out by teams on development of their cars for the new 2026 technical regulations that accompany a change of engine format before the start of 2025.