Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur says that all 10 Formula 1 teams are backing mooted changes to the Sprint format.
The switch away from the traditional format was first introduced in 2021, with qualifying shifted to Friday to set the grid for a shorter Saturday race.
The final order of the Saturday sprint event was then declared the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix, barring any applicable penalties.
Fans and drivers have been split over the format, and for 2023, there are six planned events using the altered schedule – double the figure used across the last two seasons.
But new proposals to the format will see two qualifying sessions, one dedicated to the sprint and the other to Sunday’s grand prix.
The plans would also eliminate the Saturday morning FP2 session that has been labelled as useless with the cars already locked into parc ferme conditions.
The updated proposal requires formal ratification from the FIA before being implemented ahead of this month’s first Sprint of 2023 in Azerbaijan, but all 10 teams have supported the changes.
“For once I think all the teams were aligned – it’s not very often that it’s the case so we have to jump on it,” said Vasseur.
“For sure the format is more dynamic and you can discuss about doing it so late but at the end of the day I think if we’re all aligned then we have to push for it.
“I like the format, I’m not a big fan of the usual FP2, sometimes it’s a bit boring – not for us because we have a lot of data.
“But I can imagine for the spectators and even for you if you don’t know about the level of fuel, the engine mode and so on it’s probably a bit boring – and to try to have something more dynamic during the weekend is a good decision.”
As of yet, there has been no official communication from F1 or the FIA over the planned alterations.
However, they have been met with resistance from reigning World Champion Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman, who has won two out of the opening three rounds at the start of the 2023 campaign, has threatened to walk away from the sport if it continues to change its DNA.
Discussion about this post