F1 News: Christian Horner On Sprint Race - "Got To Add More Jeopardy To It"

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes that Formula One's Sprint Race format needs an evolution to make it more appealing to the audience. He stated that the Saturday show needs "more jeopardy to it" to make it more exciting to the viewers.

Originally introduced in 2021, the alternate schedule received major changes as the years went by. However, there's more that needs to be done to make it less predictable.

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The United States GP Sprint Race saw Max Verstappen pull a lead in the initial laps of the 19-lap race before claiming victory. He was clear of Lewis Hamilton in P2 by 7 seconds! Such was the show which hardly witnessed a battle in the front.

Horner explained that the Sprint format offers a good insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors. However, further changes are needed to make it more exciting. He told RacingNews365.com:

“I still think there are things that can be done to evolve the Sprint race.

"There's an element of tuning that needs to be done to the format but I think certainly we've learned a lot from the Sprint that will apply to the race.

"You've got to add a bit more jeopardy to it. Whether you reverse the top 10 or something, but then you have to add enough points to make it worth the drivers’ while to really go for it.

"When you win a sprint race, it doesn’t quite mean as much as a Grand Prix. We’re in a process where we need to be open to change and evolution.

"The concept is fine, but the execution, we can do a better job in making it more exciting for the viewer.”

Austin GP Results: Max Verstappen Wins The Sprint Race

Max Verstappen's P1 start in the Sprint Race could've added to the lack of action in the front. However, with the championship winner starting P6 in the Grand Prix, things might look a bit different. Especially if you consider the way Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes have upped their ante as they start from P1 tomorrow in the same order.

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