Red Bull ardently campaigned for new sprint format with a hidden motive when Max Verstappen was lambasting the move: Report

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen openly disapproved the sprint format in Baku.

Red Bull ardently campaigned for new sprint format with a hidden motive when Max Verstappen was lambasting the move: Report

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (Images via The Guardian)

The new F1 sprint format that was tested in Baku was not well accepted by the paddock or the fans. Several drivers and team principals openly expressed their disapproval of it and transformed it into a regular occurrence. One such pair in question were Max Verstappen and Christian Horner.

F1 expert Michael Schmidt has reported that despite Red Bull team boss Horner and Verstappen endlessly criticizing the format, they were the ones who campaigned for its induction the most. They allegedly desired it because it limits training time by only availing one free practice session. It also minimizes the strategy risk through mandatory, prescribed tires. 

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Max Verstappen specifically called it ‘boring’ and said he prefers a single qualifying session to determine the grid for Sunday’s race. He did not want to have another sprint shootout to set the grid for the sprint on Saturday. Horner stated that it was ‘ludicrous’ to have a sprint race in Baku, where the frequency of incidents is high. He was also concerned about the repair costs.

Schmidt also said that when the leading team makes demands, it should serve as a warning sign for the FIA not to comply. He stated such campaigns often prioritize self-interest and detract from the overall objective. The reduction of practice time favors larger teams like Red Bull because they possess superior simulation tools. It often enables them to maximize their advantage.

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There could be an increased number of sprint races in 2024

Sprint Race at Baku (Image via The Economic Times)
Sprint Race at Baku (Image via The Economic Times)

The introduction of the new 2023 sprint format in Baku brought about significant changes to the traditional sprint race structure. Rather than the usual two practice sessions spread across Friday and Saturday, only one practice session was held. After this practice session, the qualifying session for the feature race took place. On Saturday, Formula 1 conducted the sprint qualifying and sprint race. The feature race on Sunday remained unaffected.

The changes were made to enhance the excitement for viewers by promoting more intense wheel-to-wheel racing. The success of the sprint race format has convinced the commercial rights holders of Formula 1 to allocate additional resources to its development. While the new sprint format has sparked mixed opinions among fans and drivers, it aligns with Liberty Media‘s agenda of boosting the viewership in the sport.

Discussions for the upcoming 2024 season are already in progress. Reports from the Miami paddock indicate plans to expand the number of sprint races from six to ten for the next season. These races are anticipated to follow a format similar to the one introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

In the highly anticipated 2024 season, a record-breaking number of twenty-four races is already scheduled. The proposed inclusion of ten additional sprint races would raise the total count to an unprecedented thirty-four races. The current format will likely be tested at other sprint venues throughout the year to gather feedback and reach a final consensus on its implementation.

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