Overview

• F1’s chief is exploring more sprint events, new sprint formats including possible reverse grids, reduced or removed Friday practice, and shorter grand prix distances to boost engagement.
• Stefano Domenicali says driver sentiment has flipped in favor of sprints after an Austria stakeholder dinner, adding that even Max Verstappen is warming to the concept.
• Domenicali argues survey data shows fans and promoters want less practice and more meaningful sessions, citing highlights’ popularity and improved simulation and AI tools.
• Several drivers questioned cutting race distance, with Fernando Alonso calling attention spans a societal issue, Andrea Kimi Antonelli warning of lost strategic depth, and Esteban Ocon only open to trimming the longest events such as Singapore.
• Reverse-grid sprint races are on the agenda for evaluation with the FIA, and no trials or regulatory changes have been approved yet.