Stefano Domenicali slams ‘selfish’ F1 drivers for ‘lazy’ approach to new Sprint format

Stefano Domenicali is not happy with F1 drivers being reluctant to accept the new Sprint format.

Stefano Domenicali slams ‘selfish’ F1 drivers for ‘lazy’ approach to new Sprint format

Stefano Domenicali, image via Sportskeeda

Formula 1 introduced a new format for F1 Sprint weekends in 2023. This format debuted at the Azerbaijan GP and was met with a mixed reaction. Many, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen were unhappy with the frequent changes to a traditional GP weekend. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has urged drivers to try and get to grips with changes.

The 58-year-old acknowledged that drivers have the right to express their opinion. Although the F1 CEO reckoned that they must understand the bigger picture before criticizing the tweaks made by the sport. After all, Formula 1 remains a business that needs to grow with time. Subsequently, drivers must adapt to introduced changes. He said, “We don’t need to be selfish.”

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Stefano insisted that all stakeholders can discuss the response from the new Sprint weekend at the end of the season. F1 will conduct the new Sprint weekend at 6 GPs this season. As such, the Italian asked drivers to get more flexible and allow for such trials. Domenicali stated, “Sometimes being out of our comfort zone is not easy, but we cannot get lazy or complacent.”

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Stefano Domenicali defends the new sprint format

Sergio Perez after winning the 2023 Azerbaijan GP F1 Sprint, image via The Telegraph
Sergio Perez after winning the 2023 Azerbaijan GP F1 Sprint, image via The Telegraph

The F1 CEO mentioned that the sport has a responsibility to provide bang for the buck to its viewers every weekend. The sport’s fanbase has grown massively in recent years, with every GP breaking records for attendance. As such, Stefano Domenicali believes experiments such as the Sprint weekends are necessary for giving the most value to fans.

Moreover, Stefano clarified that the sport will not sit still just for the comfort of drivers and teams. Although the F1 CEO highlighted that all season races would not be Sprint weekends. It remains to be seen if the perception of the Sprint weekend changes over the course of the 2023 season, with tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps and Red Bull trialing this format.

Thus, Stefano Domenicali believes drivers must adapt to the changes made by the sport in the name of entertainment for fans. Formula 1 is eager to capitalize on its new fanbase and reap the commercial benefits. This, in turn, has put the opinions of traditionalists such as Verstappen on the back seat as F1 continues to find more ways to engage its audience.

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