As the competition heats up within the realm of Formula 1’s progressively favored sprint layout, the organization is reportedly aiming to surpass the current limit of six sprint occasions each season, potentially by 2027.
Formula 1 debuted sprint competitions prior to the 2021 season as an initiative to amplify the thrill throughout a grand prix weekend, seeking to deliver an even more captivating experience for television viewers and attendees present at the venue. The series initially tested the waters with three sprint competitions annually, subsequently broadening to six sprints from 2023 onward, consistently adjusting the sprint structure in reaction to preliminary critique voiced by enthusiasts and participating teams.
Considering the Formula 1 schedule has broadened to a limit of 24 grand prix events, merely a quarter of the races are presented with the chance to organize a sprint each season. Parallel to the gradual shift toward a more favorable outlook on the layout within the community – along with the perspective of the racers – rivalry is additionally intensifying, with an increasing number of promoters starting to acknowledge the advantages provided.
Value for money
Bobby Epstein, the co-creator and overseeing partner of Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, which is anticipating the reappearance of the sprint layout during this month’s United States Grand Prix, conveys that while he hasn’t observed a substantial surge in ticket procurements consequently, he does recognize that the sprint layout has significantly improved the overall experience for visiting spectators.
“I believe it simply enhances the value of the ticket,” Epstein conveyed to selected media, including Autosport. “I’m uncertain [if] it has resulted in significantly elevated ticket procurements, but the supporters seem to be embracing it. It wasn’t instantaneously perceived as a desirable asset, and it didn’t essentially propel ticket procurements for an extended period. I simply contend that it enriches the worth of the ticket and extends more enjoyment to individuals, which we consistently welcome. We aspire to deliver as much entertainment as possible throughout the weekend.
“When they acquire a weekend admission and extend their duration at the circuit, it benefits us, providing an abundance of content. I’m uncertain whether individuals base their determination to attend a grand prix on whether it features a sprint competition. We simply haven’t witnessed it influencing procurements and demand, but I hold no uncertainty that it elevates the enjoyment, and that’s our primary emphasis.”
Next month’s United States Grand Prix will get its second sprint race in three years.
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
Epstein’s counterpart from the Miami Grand Prix, Tyler Epp, communicated to Autosport the previous year that sprints were beginning to exert an influence on the Florida occasion. At the time, Epp conceded that he was initially hesitant regarding the potential impact of incorporating a sprint competition, but has subsequently transitioned to recognizing their worth. In the context of Miami, its inaugural sprint did instigate a rise in Saturday attendance during the 2024 iteration, and the venue was pleased to stage another one previously this year.
“I was mistaken about the sprint competition. I harbored considerable apprehensions regarding the value suggestion there, but I couldn’t have been more incorrect,” Epp stated late the prior year. “The input and information we acquired demonstrated that our attendance on a Saturday had risen in comparison to the previous year, and they were present early for a sprint competition.”
FOM eyes more sprint races by 2027
Considering that Formula 1 is maintaining just six sprints on the calendar each season for the time being, these slots have been highly coveted, with Belgian Grand Prix organizers articulating that they were “extremely honored” to constitute “the sole European venue” hosting one this year.
Nevertheless, that is very plausible to evolve as Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali suggested a rise in sprint competitions over the medium period. The quantity of Saturday competitions will remain at six for the 2026 season, but Autosport understands that discussions are progressing to elevate that number to approximately 10 as soon as 2027, which would necessitate endorsement from commercial rights holder FOM, overseeing organization the FIA, and the teams.
“I must convey that apart from a few longtime devoted enthusiasts, everyone desires sprint weekends,” Domenicali conveyed to Autosport and other media leading up to last week’s Italian Grand Prix. “Promoters are advocating for this layout, and presently the racers are additionally intrigued.
“I’m adopting a somewhat provocative stance, but free practice appeals to highly specialized individuals; those who aspire to witness heightened activity favor a sprint weekend. There’s greater subject matter to deliberate and remark on commencing Friday – there’s a qualifying session – but I comprehend that it must evolve into an integral component of Formula 1 culture.
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
“The trajectory is explicit: I can assure that within a few years, there will be a demand for all weekends to adhere to an identical layout. I’m not implying that we’ll emulate MotoGP, which incorporates a sprint at each occasion – that’s excessively vast a stride. I perceive it more as a maturation procedure that appreciates a more conventional approach.”
Within the same discourse, Domenicali additionally contemplated the notion of reverse grid competitions and diminished grand prix distances. Those remarks aren’t comprehended as definitive measures that FOM and its proprietor Liberty Media are embracing, but they did activate a broader dialogue concerning whether or not Formula 1 would be prudent to pursue a radical format restructuring to appeal to a more youthful demographic of enthusiasts.
COTA’s Epstein conceded that Formula 1 confronts a “challenging equilibrium” to sustain, but he would endorse whichever course the organization determines to undertake in the future: “I believe Stefano would solely undertake that if he surmised it was in the paramount interest of the sport.
“An aspect that renders Stefano such an accomplished leader is his aptitude to aid Formula 1 in evolving and sustaining relevance without sacrificing the sport’s extensive heritage and tradition. Hence, it’s a demanding equilibrium, but he accomplishes it with fervor and without relinquishing the interests of either the enthusiasts, the teams, or the competitors.
“We’ll sustain our emphasis on furnishing an exceptional enthusiast experience and permit Stefano to ascertain what’s optimal for the sport itself. I possess complete faith in him.”
