Zak Brown: McLaren boss says no sprint events in 2022 a possibility

Formula 1 is in danger of not having any sprint events this year as a result of a stand-off over money, says McLaren boss Zak Brown.

F1 had an agreement in principle from the teams to increase the number of sprints from three to six in 2022.

But eight out of 10 teams need to agree on details to secure the sprints, and some are holding out for more money.

Brown said F1 «might not» find a way out of the impasse, adding: «That would be unfortunate.»

In a wide-ranging news conference Brown also:

The sprint events were new last year. Held at the British, Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix, they introduced a short race on Saturdays in place of qualifying, which set the grid for the main event on Sunday.

F1 has shown the teams data that proves the sprint events increased audience figures and sponsorship income.

Last year a financial deal was agreed to provide the teams with a small payment to offset potential damage from more racing.

But Brown said the big teams were trying to take advantage of this by pushing for a larger than necessary increase in the budget cap, which is set at $140m (£103m) this year.

«A couple of teams, and one team in particular, wanted a $5m budget cap increase, which was just ridiculous,» Brown said.

«And no rational facts behind it. When you challenged them, they go to what if and could and you've got to anticipate. You sit there and go 'This is just nonsense.'»

F1 rules dictate that for a change in the rules to be instigated in the calendar year of the championship, eight teams need to agree to it. So teams can hold F1 to ransom if they can get others to agree.

To agree to the sprint events for the 2023 season requires only five teams to agree, and Brown said F1 should vote that through first and then try to agree