F1 star gives bizarre 'fishy' verdict over sprint weekends

A number of cars closely race together, while a fish swims alongside — Photo: © LAT Images

Latest F1 News

F1 star gives bizarre 'fishy' verdict over sprint weekends

He has aimed some unusual criticism at the current format

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Saturday 6 January 2024 09:12

Carlos Sainz has aimed an unusual criticism at F1 sprint weekends, as confusion around the format of the events going forward continues.

The Ferrari star believes there's 'definitely something fishy' going on with the current format, criticising sprint races for robbing some of the excitement of the main race.

Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a main race throughout 2023, when he claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Article continues under video

The Spaniard did, however, struggle near the end of the season with sprint events such as Qatar and Brazil providing the Ferrari man with some difficulty.

F1 have confirmed that sprint race formats will change ahead of the new season, but what that may look like is still unknown.

George Russell recently slammed the idea of a reverse grid order, while David Croft believes that there should be a separate world championship for sprint races.

Carlos Sainz was the only man to beat Red Bull in a main race in 2023

George Russell has recently spoke out about the sprint race format

F1's sprint race conundrum

Now, Sainz has had his say, not necessarily advocating a new idea, but admitting that something does need to change.

"I don't like the format and I don't have the impression that it works," he said in quotes reported by Sky Germany.

"The sprint anticipated what will happen on Sunday.

“If the sprint robs the grand prix of the excitement, then that's it definitely something fishy."

F1 Ferrari Carlos Sainz Singapore Grand Prix

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Kimi Antonelli will 'definitely' move to Ferrari claims F1 star's friend

6 minutes ago

New F1 video game confirmed by Lewis Hamilton, but there's one thing wrong with it

56 minutes ago

F1 star becomes first driver to lap new Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid (and leaves pundit terrified)

Today 13:44

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'now Ferrari No. 2', Christian Horner comments spark driver move rumours

2 hours ago

Mercedes issue statement over Max Verstappen following Nurburgring 24 hour race

2 hours ago