F1 Sprint Mastermind Puts a Number on Increased Races Next Year After ‘Successful’ Imola GP

The first sprint race of the 2022 F1 season witnessed some eye-catching battles followed by a classic Verstappen vs Leclerc showing right towards the end. With such exciting action throughout the 100-km dash in Imola today, there is no doubt Formula 1 is looking towards adding more of these.

Formula 1 introduced sprint races last year, and it became an instant hit among the fans. The drivers also have something to play for as F1 awarded points for the top three drivers in the sprint race. And now the top 8 drivers are allotted the points, so the race is even more important for the teams.

Last year, Silverstone, Monza, and Sao Paulo witnessed three incredible sprint races. Now, Imola GP along with Austrian GP and Brazilian GP were selected as the venues for the sprint races. And F1 managing director Ross Brawn revealed Formula 1 is planning six sprint races next year, which will certainly create excitement among the fans.

F1 planning to add six sprint races from 2023

On Saturday, Max Verstappen came out on top after a nail-biting battle with Charles Leclerc again. The Monegasque took the lead from Verstappen early on, only for the reigning champion to claw back into the race. And it proved to be an entertaining battle right until the end.

Read More: Max Verstappen Robs Charles Leclerc of F1 Glory in Final Moments of Nail-Biting Imola GP Sprint Race

Ross Brawn, clearly thrilled by Formula 1’s sprint races, has hinted they are planning to add three more sprint races to the calendar. With sprint races held on Saturday, fans also get to watch the qualifying action on Friday.

He said, “On Tuesday we want to discuss increasing it to six. We’d like to have six next year. I think they can see the success. What you should always remember about the sprint is it gives you a great Friday as well. We’ve had three days of action for the fans and we can’t ignore that,” explained Brawn.

The overtaking action during Saturday’s sprint race also pleased Brawn. And the Englishman is optimistic that it will be a success. He added, “We’re very pleased with the sprint race. Great entertainment, lots of racing going on, plenty of overtaking, we demonstrated the cars could follows.”

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“I know you may say ‘well it was DRS’ but you can’t use DRS unless you can get on the back of the car, so I think overall it was very successful.”

However, with the number of Grand Prix and sprint races increasing, it will take a toll on the teams, without a doubt. Should F1 implement six sprint races next year? Leave your thoughts in the comments.