F1 Considering Huge Weekend Changeup With More Qualifying Sessions
Formula One is known for its rapid innovation, and a new proposal could revolutionize the Sprint race weekend format. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, has voiced his support for a plan that would introduce two qualifying sessions on Sprint weekends.
This means that the result of the Sprint race would no longer determine the starting order for the main event. If everything goes according to plan, this new format could debut as early as the Baku Grand Prix in four weeks.
This revolutionary idea has been in the pipeline since last year, and it has gained traction due to the lack of necessity of the second free practice session - from the viewer's point of view at least.
This session was mainly for data collection for teams, and not for entertainment. As a result, the F1 management has proposed a new format that involved having two separate time trials: one for the Sprint and one the main race. The teams have welcomed the proposal with reported full support.
According to the proposal, Friday's schedule will remain the same, with a one-hour free practice session for teams to tweak their cars and test new setups. The starting grid will be determined by the usual Q1, Q2, and Q3 format but not for the Sprint race. Instead, the fastest driver on Friday will secure pole position for the main race. On Saturday, the second qualifying session will be held in the morning to determine the starting grid for the Sprint race, scheduled for the afternoon.
While there is some uncertainty about the second qualifying session's details, Pirelli has already stated that they will not be providing more than twelve tyre sets per driver for a Sprint weekend. This means that alternative solutions are being considered, such as reintroducing individual time trials, which only consume one set of tyres per car. Another option is mandating the use of medium and hard tyre types or a used set of soft tyres, potentially with shortened qualifying segments.
The proposed program change requires unanimous agreement from all involved, which should not be a problem. However, the biggest challenge will be revising the regulations to accommodate these proposed changes, as many areas will be affected, including procedures, tyre sets, parc fermé, etc. Nevertheless, sources within the FIA have confirmed that "it's doable.
"If everything goes according to plan, we can hold an e-vote in two weeks."
The proposed change has created a buzz among fans and teams, with many eager to see the new format in action. If the proposed changes are implemented, Sprint weekends could hold a lot more entertainment value for the average viewer, and contain more of a buildup to the main race.