Addressing the simmering heat inside F1 cars is also on the agenda.
Top brass at Formula 1 are rallying behind a proposition to revamp the sprint race setup for the upcoming season.
The proposed blueprint, still pending confirmation, envisions Friday as the day for sprint qualifying and Saturday hosting the sprint preceding the main grand prix’s qualifying.
A twist might be added by flipping part of the grid for the sprint.
In response to the heat stress experienced in grueling conditions, an additional cooling duct has been greenlit.
Recalling the October Qatar Grand Prix, several drivers required medical intervention post-race due to heat issues.
To combat this, a change in the technical rulebook will permit teams to fit an extra duct to funnel external air towards the driver, complementing the standard nose duct.
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Before any final decision, F1’s sporting advisory committee will dissect the potential impacts of these changes, aiming for a formal nod of approval in January.
Red Bull’s chief, Christian Horner, commented: “The sprints certainly need a refresh. I get the appeal of action-packed three days, but at times, they’ve been a bit lackluster.
“Injecting more racing into the mix would be ideal, but we need to weigh the implications, like what if we reverse the grid?”
These proposals were part of several alterations revealed post the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s Friday meeting of the F1 Commission, the sport’s rule-making consortium comprising teams, the FIA, and F1’s commercial entity.
The sprint format modifications stem from concerns about the current setup’s perplexity.
The past two seasons have seen Friday grand prix qualifiers, with Saturday dedicated to the sprint, including both a qualifying round and a race.
However, the disconnect between Friday qualifying and the Sunday grand prix, coupled with questions over the sprint’s value due to its limited points, prompted a rethink.
An FIA statement expressed the Commission’s “overall support” for the sprint format revisions.
Further discussions on this plan are slated for the next F1 Commission meeting in the coming year.
Additional changes announced include:
Testing new devices to lessen car spray in wet conditions, following an unsuccessful initial attempt this year.
A consensus that “future tyre development should aim at reducing overheating and boosting raceability,” leading to the decision to scrap the 2025 ban on tyre-heating blankets.
A resolution that teams cannot start working on their cars for the 2026 technical regulations, which coincide with a new engine format, until 2025 begins.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 Sprint Race Changes
What are the proposed changes to the F1 sprint race format for 2024?
The proposed changes for the 2024 Formula 1 season include modifying the sprint race format. This might involve conducting sprint qualifying on Friday and the sprint race on Saturday, before the main grand prix qualifying. There’s also a possibility of reversing part of the grid for the sprint race.
How is Formula 1 addressing the issue of heat stress for drivers?
Formula 1 is planning to introduce an additional cooling duct in the cars. This change is in response to drivers suffering from heat exposure in extreme conditions, as seen in the Qatar Grand Prix in October. The new duct will channel external air directly to the driver.
What did Christian Horner say about the proposed sprint race changes?
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, stated that the sprint races need to evolve and become more engaging. He acknowledged the need for action-packed events but pointed out that the sprints have sometimes been underwhelming. He suggested that introducing more racing elements, like a reversed grid, could be beneficial.
What are the other changes discussed by the F1 Commission?
Apart from the sprint race format, the F1 Commission discussed implementing devices to reduce spray from cars in wet conditions, focusing future tyre development on reducing overheating, and improving raceability. It was also decided to retain tyre-heating blankets until 2025 and restrict car development for the new 2026 technical regulations until the start of 2025.
When will the final decision on these changes be made?
The final decision on these changes, including the sprint race format, is expected to be made following further discussions at the next meeting of the F1 Commission in the new year. The sporting advisory committee will first assess the potential ramifications before putting the ideas up for formal approval.
More about F1 Sprint Race Changes
- Formula 1 Official Website
- F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Details
- Christian Horner’s Comments on Sprint Changes
- F1 Technical Regulation Updates
- FIA Official Statements and Decisions
- Overview of F1 Sprint Race Format
- F1 Car Design and Safety Features
- History and Evolution of Formula 1 Racing
5 comments
Wow, reversing the grid for sprints? Sounds exciting but could be a bit chaotic, no? F1’s always full of surprises tho!
Extra cooling duct, about time! saw the drivers struggling in Qatar. Safety first, guys.
Can’t wait to see how these changes pan out in 2024, F1’s never dull! Just hoping the new format isn’t too confusing for new fans.
No ban on tyre-heating blankets till 2025? Thats a relief, would’ve been a huge change for the teams to adapt too quickly.
Christian Horner always with the smart insights. Red Bull’s strategy could really shake things up with these changes.