26 April 2023 , 07:44
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A new Formula 1 sprint format will be implemented at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
F1 introduced the sprint race in 2021 to test a new approach to qualifying. The format has divided opinion, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen claiming it goes against the "DNA of F1" and threatening to quit the sport if chiefs keep tinkering with it.
Yet it appears the sprint format is here to stay. There will be six sprint rounds during the 2023 campaign, with the first taking place in Baku this weekend. It's believes the 10 teams, including Verstappen's dominant Red Bull side, are in favour of the changes.
Sprint races are one-third distance of a regular grand prix, with the top eight all receiving championship points. The winner picks up eight points.
The changes will see a new standalone qualifying session on Saturday morning - called the 'sprint shootout' - to determine the starting order for the sprint race in the afternoon. There will also be a qualifying session on Friday to set the grid for Sunday's grand prix.
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Sprint shootout sessions are shorter than the usual format, as the three sessions will last four 12, 10 and eight minutes. Regular race weekends will not be impacted by the changes, with the sprint format being used in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Texas and Brazil this year.
Max Verstappen is a vocal critic of the sprint format (Getty Images)What's your opinion on the sprint race? Let us know in the comments below!
F1 chiefs confirmed the changes in a statement. It read: "The F1 commission voted unanimously in favour of changes to the sprint format. These will now come into effect at the first sprint event of the season.
"Following this successful vote and subsequent approval by the World Motor Sport Council, all stakeholders believe that this will boost the spectacle of sprint weekends and enhance track action for fans around the world."
F1 bosses will need to keep everyone happy if they want the sprint format to stay for good. Verstappen recently warned: "I’m happy with just the main race. I think that’s way better for the excitement. I naturally, of course, hope that there won't be too many changes - otherwise I won't be around for too long."
Verstappen's Red Bull boss Christian Horner has also criticised the decision to hold the first sprint race of the season in Baku due to it being a street circuit. He told reporters: "I'm nervous about a sprint in Baku because you just don't have enough time to repair if you have major damage.
"Straight after the sprint, you have to put the covers on, and then in the morning, you have only three or four hours to repair your car if it's heavily damaged, so there is a high risk with that exercise.
"But again, it's the same for everybody, and it is not so difficult to overtake at Baku. If you take risks in the more cornering parts, then there is a higher risk [of a crash]."