F1 sprint races: why the FIA is urging caution before any expansion
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has weighed in on the ongoing debate about increasing the number of Formula 1 sprint races, signalling that caution—not haste—should guide any decision. While sprints have injected extra spectacle into select race weekends, the governing body is focused on ensuring that the format serves the sport long-term without compromising competitive integrity, costs, or the workload carried by teams, officials and circuits.
Balancing spectacle, sporting fairness and sustainability
Introduced to add meaningful track action on Saturdays, sprints alter the rhythm of a Grand Prix weekend and can influence strategy and car set-up for the main event. Ben Sulayem’s message underscores the need to evaluate several dimensions before expanding:
- Sporting impact: Preserving merit-based results and strategic variety across the season.
- Operational load: Managing the added strain on mechanics, officials and logistics over an already dense calendar.
- Financial considerations: Ensuring the sprint format remains cost-effective for the entire grid, particularly for smaller teams.
- Fan experience: Enhancing—rather than diluting—the anticipation and narrative of a Grand Prix weekend.
A measured path forward
While many stakeholders appreciate the excitement and extra competitive sessions, the FIA’s stance is to gather robust feedback, analyse data across venues and conditions, and review the balance between entertainment and sporting purity. Any growth in the sprint format will likely be incremental and evidence-led, aimed at maintaining Formula 1’s unique weekend structure while optimising value for teams, promoters and fans.
