F1 drivers open to making sprint races a standalone event

Formula 1 drivers would back proposals to make sprint races a standalone event over a grand prix weekend rather than deciding the grid for the main race.

Over the course of last season, F1 ran sprint races at three different circuits as a trial to see if it proved a hit with fans and added to the spectacle.

While they divided opinion, sprint events return for this year, taking place at Imola this weekend, as well as Austria and Brazil – which also held a sprint race in 2021.

There has been some tweaks to some elements of sprint races for this year, such as awarding pole position to the driver fastest in Friday’s qualifying session and points being handed down to eighth place.

But despite the changes, there remains criticism over the fact sprint events determine the grid for Sunday’s grand prix and often leads to drivers taking a more cautious approach to not risk starting down the order in the main race.

According to reports, F1 is considering making further alterations to sprint races that would see them become a standalone event for next year.

This would lead to qualifying setting the grid for both the sprint and full points-paying race, which has been supported by some of the drivers.

“This could be a thing This will help us to take a bit more risk maybe during sprint qualifying without losing too much on the Sunday – in case you do a mistake,” said current championship leader Charles Leclerc, as quoted. by Motorsport.com.

“It could add a bit of value of excitement for the Saturday. This actually could be a good idea.”

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen will contest his first-ever sprint race this weekend since returning to F1 this year, and also backed a further revamp.

“I think the qualifying idea is a good suggestion,” he