Formula 1 could introduce more point-finishing positions in sprint races next year during race weekends in which the alternate format is used.
F1 has trialled a new weekend format at two events this year (Silverstone and Monza), with a third planned for Sao Paulo later this month.
The format sees drivers qualify on Friday, with the finishing order setting the grid for a short race on Saturday. The result of the sprint race forms the starting positions for Sunday’s grand prix.
With new cars coming next year, F1 is set to double the number of race weekends that use the fresh format, according to the sport’s managing director Ross Brawn.
“We’ve in principle agreed with the teams that we will look towards six events for next year,” Brawn said.
“There is quite a lot to get sorted before then, and our view is that we should take some progressive steps for next year but not radical steps.
“And that’s partly because we have the new car coming along, and everyone needs to settle down with the new car coming.
“We need to see the impact of the car. So we’ve been relatively conservative and evolutionary for 2022. But we’re positive about the concept and very pleased that F1 has been brave enough to try an alternative concept at three races to see how it works.”
While full points are still awarded for Sunday’s grand prix, this year the top three finishers of the sprint race have been handed three, two and one points respectively.
Next year however, more points could be issued to those who cross the line further down the order during the shorter event.
“Personally we proposed something around a third of the points that you get in a race for the sprint,” Brawn said.
“That was the initial proposal, which was not taken up because the feeling was that we need to see how the sprint functions first before we allocated the points. So we think that will be the starting point for the discussion.
“It’s significant enough to be worth going for and it goes far enough down that people in lower positions still want to fight for it. But it is not of a number that has over-influence on the championship.
“It will have an influence on the championship, it must have and that’s what we want, but not an excessive amount.”
So what was the point of an official survey on how fans felt about the Sprint Qualifying et al if the outcome is rejected and FIA carry on regardless?
Surveys aren’t worth the paper they are on. There are about 100 polls on many websites and on social media. Of the 20 or so I’ve seen they are all showing different results.
The FIA also does not decide on what happens or not. They govern F1 but they do not on it. Liberty media own f1 and it’s them that are looking at what’s going on, and feedback has been mostly positive.
The teams also have a big say on if they want it or not. The teams so far have enjoyed it but they like the fans have asked for changes to be made to the concept.