Aston Martin urges F1 to ‘keep its DNA’ amidst radical Baku race weekend changes

Aston Martin is second in the 2023 constructor standings so far, 9 points ahead of Mercedes.

Aston Martin urges F1 to ‘keep its DNA’ amidst radical Baku race weekend changes

Mike Krack. Image via Getty Images.

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack has shared his thoughts on Formula 1’s new sprint race format. Ever since it became a topic of discussion, it received mixed reactions. While drivers like George Russell, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton were open to trying different experiments, Max Verstappen and Christian Horner were not fond of it. However, it is understood that the teams unanimously agreed to the sprint race format in Baku.

Formula 1 will hold the first sprint race weekend in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This will mark the first time it is held at a street circuit. Horner initially criticized by saying, in reality, it would be “absolutely ludicrous” to have the first sprint of the season in a circuit like Baku. This format was first introduced in 2021. The current campaign includes six sprints. Mike Krack spoke to RacingNews326 about F1’s new format. 

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Mike Krack stated, “F1 has to evolve, in general, but F1 also has to keep its DNA. There [have been] some quite constructive discussions on how to achieve that, because you have to also understand all the stakeholders’ interests, which we do, but then also we have a very tight timeline now, with regulations, with tyre availability, with engine mileage and all that.”

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Mike Krack wants Formula 1 to find a “sensible compromise”

Mike Krack talks to an Aston Martin colleague planetF1
Mike Krack. Image via PlanetF1.

Krack added, “All these points, you have to factor in and try to find a sensible compromise and maybe at one point you have also to put the interest of a single team on the side, and look for the big picture.” The Aston Martin team principal wants to find a common ground for Formula 1 evolving while keeping its DNA. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, also used the same words. 

Verstappen spoke about the new format and stated that he did not find it in the DNA of the sport to do sprint races. The double world champion might quit Formula 1 if they implement many changes. He declared that he was not a fan of it. Mike Krack, just like Verstappen, does not want F1 to abandon its DNA. However, the changes are not usually made without consulting the teams.

The highest class of motorcycle racing, MotoGP, also plans to use a similar sprint format throughout the season. This might urge Formula 1 to add more sprint races. While it is only an experiment now, it might soon be confirmed. Formula 1 wants to make these changes to entertain fans. Apart from the entertainment side, these additional races might even change the pecking order.

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