“It’s brilliant,” former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen applauds Stefano Domenicali for experimenting with the race format

Mika Hakkinen believes the new sprint format could test the potential of the teams and the drivers.

“It’s brilliant,” former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen applauds Stefano Domenicali for experimenting with the race format

Mika Hakkinen & Stefano Domenicali. Images via Formulapedia and Sky Sports.

Former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has given a thumbs up for the new sprint race format. The two-time world champion praised Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for experimenting with the sprint race format. The FIA announced the new “Sprint Shootout” last Tuesday. It is safe to say most teams and drivers are delighted to try something new. However, the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, is not fond of it. 

As per the new format, Formula 1 will feature a practice session and qualifying for the main race on Friday. On Saturday, they will hold a sprint qualifying known as Sprint Shootout. This will replace the second practice session. In the Sprint Shootout, it is mandatory for the teams to use Mediums (tires) for Q1 and Q2. Soft compound tires will be permitted for Q3. 

YouTube video

FS Video

Mika Hakkinen is a fan of these changes. He stated, “It’s brilliant to see how popular Formula 1 has become and I believe F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali is right to experiment with [this] new form. With only one practice session on Friday, before the teams move into qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix, there is very little time for teams to gather data and play with set-ups.”

Related: James Allison’s return ‘doesn’t change’ Lewis Hamilton’s plans on Mercedes contract extension

Mika Hakkinen claims the new qualifying is a “fantastic move”

900x600 721d3a92e2093e8178c19312ce3d3114
Mika Hakkinen. (Image via Livesport)

Hakkinen added, “There is no possibility of getting the usual overnight support from the factory before heading into qualifying, so you need a really good baseline set-up and a driver who feels confident in the car. Where I feel the Sprint format has the potential to really affect Sunday is if a driver has a big accident of the kind in which the gearbox or engine suffers damage, or where a penalty hits a driver’s grid position on Sunday.”

The double-world champion believes this change will bring more focus to the sprint as a separate race. Hakkinen is certain the approach of the teams, and drivers will also change. According to him, the 100 km sprint will take on a different perspective as it no longer sets the grid for Sunday. The Finn called it a fantastic move. 

Formula 1 aims to create more excitement for the fans. Hakkinen believes the new method will work. However, the teams are anxious about the damage. Christian Horner, the Red Bull boss, thinks it is “absolutely ludicrous” from a cost cap point of view. In a street circuit like Baku, there is a high risk of cars crashing. It would cost the team a lot of money. However, Formula 1 puts the interest of the fans above all else. 

In case you missed it: