Russell proposes sprint format shake-up
Russell proposes sprint format shake-up
George Russell believes it would be possible to introduce sprint races at each grand prix weekend but only if the sport makes a change to the existing F1 regulations.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has made clear his ambition to shake up the current weekend format so there is something for drivers to fight for in each session beyond FP1.
After trialling the sprint at three grands prix last year, it has since been F1's intention to push for the additional event at six races, only for the FIA to vote against it earlier this season.
Although the teams voted in favour of extending the number of sprints, Domenicali's suggestion has been met with a mixed reaction from the drivers, with championship leader Max Verstappen the most vocal in his opposition.
Although Russell is in favour of the Italian's idea, the Mercedes driver conceded it is not without its problems.
"I do think it is quite exciting for everybody when you go into that sprint race and you’re fighting for something every single day," said Russell.
"These cars are awfully complex and you do need those practice sessions to get the car in the right window.
"There’s so much margin for error to get it wrong with the set-up and you can be totally out of the window, and with only one session and a couple of red flags, or if you have a mechanical issue, then that is basically your weekend over.
"So, I'm definitely open to it. Perhaps we need to be able to make set-up changes after qualifying and after the sprint races, rather than being locked in from a Friday afternoon."
MotoGP sprint introduction "bold"
MotoGP announced recently it will introduce a new sprint format at all weekends from 2023 despite never trialling a shorter race.
Russell feels such a move is "bold", with the drivers in F1 at least sampling a sprint prior to F1's push for more as it seeks to grow its platform that has blossomed in recent years, much to the Briton's delight, allowing it to try new ideas.
"Motorbikes and F1 are two very different beasts and having two wheels less, there’s more chance of making errors or falling off and injuring yourself, whereas I guess there is a little bit more margin for us," assessed Russell.
"Globally, the direction Formula 1 is heading, we are in such a great era at the moment. We all have to be so thankful for the job Formula 1 is doing.
"It’s pretty exceptional to see the growth and excitement around the sport compared with others that have plateaued or are even fading away. It’s a pretty special time to be here.
"Hopefully, it can continue to grow. I don’t know how big it can continue to do that, looking 10 years ahead, but I really hope we can continue this journey."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Audi agree STAR driver contract as Mercedes driver tipped for new F1 seat THIS season - GPFans F1 Recap
- 35 minutes ago
Ferrari show off new-look drivers following HUGE announcement
- 1 hour ago
McLaren leading fight for HUGE cash injection
- 2 hours ago
Newey set to announce STUNNING Red Bull departure
- Yesterday 17:57
Newey Red Bull exit wish CONFIRMED as F1 guru's reasons revealed
- 3 hours ago
F1 legend reveals 'FLOOD' of death threats after controversial decision
- Yesterday 19:57
Related news
Mercedes star tipped to replace struggling driver THIS season
Hamilton car camera captures Verstappen's TRUE feelings toward F1 rival
Marko reveals Vettel requirements for stunning F1 comeback
Fierce Hamilton F1 rival raises timing issue for Ferrari move
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860