Formula 1 has introduced and is looking into further changes to the format of sprint races since their introduction in 2021. The sprint race format has been modified this season to enhance the race weekend for fans and deliver more exciting wheel-to-wheel racing. Stefano Domenicali and the F1 commission are also considering adding a new "Grand Slam" award for the six confirmed sprint races next season. The award would recognize any driver who secures pole position in qualifying and wins both races. Although the award is unlikely to translate into additional championship points, it will showcase a driver's dominance and highlight their sporting achievements.
Previously, a Friday qualifying session determined the grid for the sprint race on Saturday, which then set the grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday. The top eight drivers in the sprint race earned extra points for the championship. However, teams were cautious about damaging their cars before the Grand Prix, leading to less exciting sprint races.
To address this issue, Formula 1 has made significant changes to the race weekend format. The sprint race will no longer determine the Grand Prix grid; instead, a qualifying session on Friday will decide the starting order.
Additionally, a separate, shorter qualifying session called the sprint shootout will determine the grid for the sprint race.
Offenses committed during the weekend will be penalized differently based on when they occurred. If an offense took place during Friday practice or qualifying, the penalty will be applied to the race. However, if the offense occurred during the sprint shootout, the penalty will be applied to the sprint race. Any incidents during the sprint race will carry over to the Grand Prix, and any breach of parc ferme rules will result in pit lane starts for both the sprint race and the Grand Prix.
These changes aim to encourage better racing, as drivers and teams can now drive without the fear of compromising their Grand Prix results. Point allocation remains the same, with a total of 36 extra points available for the top eight finishers in the sprint race.
Furthermore, teams now have the freedom to choose any tire compound they want for the sprint race. Unlike the Grand Prix, teams are not obligated to make pit stops for tire changes unless damages force them to do so, keeping all the racing action on track.
Talks regarding the "Grand Slam" award are in the early stages, with F1 planning to discuss the idea with teams before implementing it. The Formula 1 commission intends to meet during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend to evaluate whether any of the aforementioned changes need adjustments for the following year. While some have expressed concerns about changing the race weekend format every year, Domenicali assures fans that the changes will have minimal impact and aims to strike a balance between respecting long-time fans' traditions and engaging new fans.
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