The team leaders approve the idea of a sprint race for beginner drivers

A few weeks ago, the FIA was considering introducing a sprint race for rookies, which should take place after the final round in Abu Dhabi, during the traditional end-of-season tests, with the aim of providing more opportunities for novice drivers to make a name for themselves in Formula 1. A project that now seems increasingly likely, according to the comments of some team representatives this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix.

Team managers in favor of a sprint race for rookies.

During Friday’s press conference for team principals, journalist Adam Cooper revisited the subject, explaining that a decision could be made next week. He took the opportunity to question the team bosses and collect their views on the potential sprint race. A plan that was supported by the three present members, who endorsed the idea of giving inexperienced drivers a chance to race in Formula 1.

Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, highlighted the benefits of this race, especially the opportunity for rookies to take part in a full race weekend without disturbing the regular drivers. “We discussed this in the F1 Commission, and I think we are keen to give more opportunities to beginner drivers,” he told the media, including RacingNews365.

« The problem is that if you give them this chance during a Grand Prix weekend, it could affect the main drivers or their performances. So we haven’t found any other way to make them experience the whole sequence of a race weekend, to push the car, to be able to make comparisons.

Frédéric Vasseur, head of Ferrari, also approved this idea, adding that adaptations would be necessary to make it more attractive. With the current regulations and the three days of testing you have during the winter, it is not easy to give them track time. In addition, we were thinking of giving them the opportunity to do more FP1, but they already do 14 races in F2. On top of that, we have sprint races where you cannot do FP1. On some tracks, it’s not easy.

« This means that at the end of the day, we don’t have as many opportunities to allow them to test the car in real conditions, outside of the previous cars testing system [TPC]. I think this opportunity could be a good solution to give them a full weekend with a free practice session, qualifying, and a race start. It’s not easy to organize, but I’m in favor », added the Frenchman, explaining that this sprint race would be the best way to offer them additional track time. This would be a great opportunity for these young drivers, who are facing a decrease in the number of possible tests due to cost-saving measures. Now, only the end-of-season test and FP1 sessions are opportunities for rookie drivers to experience current F1 cars. This race could therefore fill this gap.

These remarks were then echoed by Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, who highlighted other benefits that this idea would bring to the sport. « If you look today at how well the single-seater pyramid works, from karting to Formula 4, 3, 2, you can see how many talents emerge. And obviously, at the top, there are only 20 seats, so it’s quite complicated for these young drivers to showcase their skills. Sometimes there is an accident, like last week, and they have five minutes to run. I think it would be great because it would also allow us to reach a younger audience, which we really want to do, and overall, we would certainly be in favor. »

F1 and the FIA will discuss this proposal in the coming days. As these three team principals pointed out, the idea of a sprint race for rookies, organized after the end of the championship, would increase track time for young drivers without affecting the drivers’ championship.