Red Bull warn F1 'it's getting late' to decide sprint future

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes F1 must make a decision "pretty shortly" over the continuation of sprint races in the coming season.

F1 trialled sprint qualifying sessions at three races last year with the shorter format Saturday races drawing a mixed response from audiences.

With the initial deal agreed with the 10-teams only covering the 2021 trial period, an entirely new deal must be brokered to continue with the format this season.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown revealed earlier this month the "ridiculous" $5million budget cap increase being sought by "one team in particular" to cover potential accident damage was a stumbling block.

F1 currently plans to complete six sprint weekends this year but should a deal fail to be agreed, it will not be possible to race to an altered weekend format.

Asked in an interview with Indian broadcaster WION for his views on sprint races, Horner explained: "I’m very much a purist.

"I believe that qualifying and the race are fundamental aspects of a grand prix. I think that the sprint races were interesting last year.

“I think the format wasn’t perfect but if you don’t try something then you don’t know and I think there are things that could be done to make it more exciting, to make it more interesting but it’s getting quite late now and we’re going to need to have a decision pretty shortly.”

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