Lando Norris says he is anticipating that drivers will be more aggressive in the sprint race in Baku as it has no bearing on their starting positions for the grand prix.
Formula 1 is conducting a revised sprint format for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, with two separate qualifying sessions setting the grid for the sprint and the main race.
In 2021 and 2022, the result of the sprint race determined the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix.
It meant that drivers weren’t as keen to race wheel-to-wheel and risk jeopardising their starting position for the main event.
But with the new schedule in play, Norris said when asked if he anticipates that drivers will be more aggressive in the sprint: “I would expect so.
“You know, there’s still a budget cap. So you know, you want to damage the car in any way. You don’t do anything silly.
“Especially for us, when we’re wanting to improve the car as much as possible, the least amount of damage we can cause, the better.
“But I’m excited. I think it’s a better format. I prefer it a long way compared to what we had before. So you have more room, more opportunities for everyone.
“I like the fact that you have two qualifyings. I love the format of practice, qualifying on Friday. So the pressure is definitely higher. But yeah, I enjoy it more.”
Charles Leclerc took pole position for the grand prix during Friday’s qualifying session, with Saturday’s running focusing solely on the sprint.
Norris is set to start Sunday’s race from seventh on the grid, but admitted afterwards that he was disappointed to miss out on a top-four result at Baku.
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