Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Sprint format being trialled in 2021 could be used at a third of all races next season.
So far the revised weekend schedule, which sees the race grid decided after qualifying on Friday followed by a 100km Sprint on Saturday, has featured at the British and Italian Grand Prix’s to a mixed reaction.
Indeed, after the weekend at Monza, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff felt the format wouldn’t last beyond 2021.
“I think the sprint races were worth the try, but I’m not sure we will keep them,” he said.
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However, while one more trial awaits in Brazil next month, already F1 bosses appear set to go full steam ahead in making Sprint weekends a permanent part of the season.
“We said at the beginning of the year there would be three tests this year to make sure we have the right plan for the future,” Domenicali said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“The vast majority of the comments we received were super positive. Promoters are super happy because there is something new and important on Friday and Saturday and Sunday.
“We are receiving this positive feedback therefore we need to have a great plan for next year, where we will consider also the points highlighted by people who did not like this format. Generally speaking, it has been an incredible success.
“I can say we will not go everywhere with the Sprint Qualifying format. It is something we want to keep for one-third of the races more or less and to connect with a certain different way of giving rewards and points and to connect with specific circuits that as you know would make the difference.
“So there is a lot of food for thought. We will involve all the stakeholders: broadcasters, drivers, teams, promoters and fans. We won’t forget our role is to take the right decision and to consider all the points and points of view of everyone.”
F1 is currently planning a 23-race calendar for 2022, meaning at least seven Grands Prix would use the Sprint format.
It is also expected next year’s calendar will be more condensed from mid-March to mid-November with a provisional schedule to be put forward later this month.
