Ross Brawn confirms F1’s intention to increase number of sprint races from next season

Ross Brawn said F1 intend to increase the number of sprint races held next season. Three are planned this year, with the first taking place in Imola this weekend. Max Verstappen passed Charles Leclerc late to take the win and secure pole position.

Following its conclusion, Brawn spoke to the media to explain the sport’s plans for more sprint races in the future. “We want to discuss increasing it to six for next year,” Brawn said.

“I think [the teams] can see success. I think we weren’t quite sure where we were with the old cars last year, but I think they can see how this year feeds into the new cars and the philosophy, so I’m optimistic they’ll see the value. What you always have to remember about Sprint is that it also gives you a great Friday, we have qualifying on Friday so we have three days of fan action and we can’t ignore that .

The added event certainly helps spice things up on a race weekend and with qualifying moved to a Friday it also provides three days of meaningful action and more entertainment for fans and competition for racers. pilots. Further discussions regarding the plans are expected to take place next week, with the next Grand Prix not scheduled until May 8, the date of the inaugural Miami GP.

Verstappen lamented his poor sprint start yesterday as he was passed by Leclerc almost immediately but was able to track him down and take the lead in the closing stages. “The start was very bad and we have to analyze why it happened like that because I think all the (practice) starts I’ve had this weekend have been pretty good, so (it was ) a bit weird,” said the Dutchman.

“When I released the clutch, just a lot of wheelspin and no traction. So my start was very, very bad. My start was just terrible. I had no gear synch for some reason. So yeah, I need to see exactly what was wrong.”

Leclerc, who was unable to hold off his rival largely due to tire degradation, says his team must find a “cure” for the problem. “I think the rhythm is quite similar [between Red Bull and Ferrari]”, said the leader of the championship.

“What made the difference in the end was the graining phase I went through. If we can get all that sorted out for tomorrow, I’m pretty sure we’re in the fight for the win. Otherwise, it’s going to be a bit more difficult.”