Russell proposes sprint format shake-up
F1 News
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."
Most read

F1 News Today: FIA chief HOSPITALISED as organisation announce F1 team ban

F1 champion claims Wolff has 'lost his marbles' as McLaren star makes 'girlfriend' admission - GPFans F1 Recap

Verstappen stuns at FIA event as Perez SNUBS Red Bull chief - GPFans F1 Recap

McLaren star makes startling 'girlfriend' admission

FIA officially BAN on F1 teams working on cars
F1 Standings

Drivers
- 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
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
-
Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
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

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860