Plans for Formula 1 sprint race expansion controversially blocked by FIA

Formula 1’s plans to expand the sprint race format have hit a speed bump after the sport’s governing body, the FIA, refused to back the proposal.

F1 introduced the sprint, essentially shortened races that determine the starting grid for the main Grand Prix, last season to a great reception, leading to three more sprint events being scheduled on the 2022 calendar.

The first of those took place last weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and following its success, it was announced that the sport’s chiefs wanted to double the number of sprints during a season to six, a proposal backed unanimously by all ten teams.

However, the FIA have delayed approving the plan, with a spokesman claiming that they were ‘still evaluating the impact of the proposal on its trackside operations and personnel’.

They added in a statement: ‘We do need to be properly resourced so we can adequately do our job. We would probably need to increase the number of operational staff in areas such as scrutineering, parc ferme and tyre return.’

However, Sky Sports have reported that sources close to the story believe that the FIA’s decision is only motivated by money.

The FIA already receives upwards of $40million from F1 every year, and while additional funding may be required to help run more sprint races, it is said that some teams believe the governing body’s financial demands are too much.

‘The word “greed” was actually used to me,’ Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater said.

‘A couple of teams said that, in their view, the FIA do not incur significant extra costs by replacing a practice session with a sprint event. They’re shocked that the FIA has taken this position.

‘What we have is a very significant split at the very highest level of Formula 1.

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