Formula 1’s Sprint Race format was first trialled in 2021. Initially met with scepticism, the short 100km Saturday races have now become a staple on the calendar with six rounds scheduled in 2025 and the same in 2026, meanwhile, it appears the tide of opinion has changed.
The FIA confirmed six Sprint Race weekends for 2026, at a time when it appears Formula 1 drivers are beginning to voice support for more Sprints in the future. Collectively, saying as much during the official FIA-hosted Press Conference on Thursday, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend in Baku.
F1 veteran Sauber driver, Nico Hülkenberg, believes Sprints add to the spectacle but warned against going too far and said: “I’m personally a fan of Sprint races. I don’t mind them. I think it depends a bit on the selection of which tracks, some are more suited than others.
"Reverse grid stuff… honestly, I don’t know. That’s a bit mixed feelings. For us as a sport, we’re looking for ultimate performance. And to find the right balance is not easy. We also need our practice time. There’s definitely a balance to be had, but always open for change," the German added.
Gasly: I’d be happy to leave it as it is
Another of the 'old guard' drivers, Alpine's Pierre Gasly, echoed that sentiment, preferring to protect the DNA of the sport.
He said: “We’ve got to keep some DNA of the sport. The formats we have at the moment, in my opinion, are very good.
"From a driver’s point of view, you have three sessions, you’re able to work on the car. I’d be happy to leave it as it is. But I’m sure we’ll experience it, and maybe I’ll change my mind in the future," Gasly added.
Oscar Piastri is supportive of more Sprint weekends but drew the line at proposals to introduce reverse grids, saying: “I think adding more Sprints is not necessarily a bad idea. I don’t think we need or want it to be every weekend. I think reverse grids…
"It might sound obvious from where I’m sat, but it’s a bad idea. In Formula 1, there’s nothing more than winning the championship. So, OK for more Sprints, but I don’t think reverse grids is a good idea," added Piastri, who leads this year's Driver's Championship ahead of Round 17 in Baku this weekend.
Antonelli, Stroll and Lawson push for more Sprint Races
Young Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli says the format is a challenge that he enjoys; he commented: “Sprint weekends are quite exciting because as a driver it’s a challenge — one free practice and then straight into qualifying. It’s quite intense, very challenging, and it’s good fun. I wouldn’t mind having more of those in the future.”
Lance Stroll agreed, pointing to the extra action on track, adding: “I like the Sprint weekends. Every time you get in the car there’s something to fight for, and it makes the weekends very exciting for the teams, the drivers, and the fans. I’d like to see more Sprint events.”
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson was equally enthusiastic and said: “Having more Sprint weekends is more exciting. With Sprints nearly every time you get in the car you’re competing, and you have two chances to race as well. As drivers, we love to race, and it can be quite exciting across the whole weekend, so I wouldn’t mind seeing more. Podium or Sprint win? Why not both?”
From Formula 1 veterans to rookies, the tone has shifted. All six drivers who spoke in Baku tended to back more Sprint weekends and some called for more, and had varying degrees of caution about how far other changes should go.
With F1’s commercial rights holders keen to keep fans engaged and broadcasters pushing for more Saturday content, the drivers’ growing acceptance could accelerate the expansion of the format beyond 2026.
Are Sprint Races good for Formula 1?
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