Teams expect F1 sprint race plan to go ahead after Bahrain talks

Formula 1 teams are expecting the championship to go ahead with its proposal to introduce a shorter Saturday sprint race at certain rounds this year.

After the plan received “broad support” from teams during the latest F1 Commission earlier this year, a working group was created to finalise the details of the proposal that would see 100km races replace qualifying to determine the grid for Sunday’s main grand prix at three rounds this season.

F1 set a target of reaching a conclusion over the matter before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March, and it is understood that a decision could come as early as next week following further talks.

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said the Woking squad is happy with how the plans are progressing.

“We are very supportive to give it a go,” he explained.

“As long as it doesn’t artificially change the pecking order in F1, which it doesn’t do, the current proposal.

“I think there have been some good meetings together with F1, the FIA in the last weeks to define the details, because the devil is always in the detail.

“But I think we have a good proposal on the table now and I think we will come to find a conclusion during this weekend and then it’s down to F1 to broadcast how we look like.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also indicated that their sides are supportive of introducing sprint races.

“I think we’re due to have further discussions this weekend about it but the principle of it, from a promoter’s point of view I understand why they’re trying to do it,” Horner said.

“There’s always a million reasons not to do something. But I think the concept is interesting, I think the way they’re looking at introducing it is reasonably responsible over three events. So why don’t we try it? Let’s give it a go.

“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes with the team managers and the sporting directors to make sure the right regulations are in place for it.

“Hopefully it will be an interesting spectacle. But if it’s something the promoters want to do, then we’re happy to support.”

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly confirmed the drivers had discussed the matter during a briefing with F1 bosses Stefano Domenicali and Ross Brawn on Thursday.

“Yes, we discussed it, but I don’t want to go public with what was said there,” he added.

“It was meeting so see how, all together, we can move the sport forward and improve the show for all the people and all the fans, because that’s what we all want.

“I think the main target is to improve the racing, and all the drivers are united in trying to make the car performances’ closer to each other and improve the show.

“I think this year, Formula 1 is willing to try the Sprint Race, try to see if it can make it more entertaining for the people that are watching on TV or coming to the track and I think it will be interesting.

“We’ll try it in some occasions and we’ll see how it is.”