Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Formula 1’s new Sprint Qualifying races could add an engaging new dimension to race weekends and says the sport should experiment further with the concept.
Following last week’s confirmation that Sprint Qualifying will be introduced at three rounds this season, Horner said the format is worth trying to see what it contributes.
“I’m happy to support the promoters to give it a go, because I think if we don’t try something different, how do you know if it’s any better or not?” Horner told Sky.
“Part of me thinks a grand prix has a classic qualifying and a race element to it, but then this could bring something extra. And I think if it’s not on every single race, then it could be something quite interesting.”
The Sprint Qualifying races, to be held on Saturdays at the British and Italian Grands Prix and one other round, will award three points to the winner. Horner suggested the format could be developed further, proposing ideas such as increased points for the sprint, reverse grids and a bonus point for pole position.
He compared those possible changes to the one-point bonus for the fastest lap introduced in 2019, which he believes improved the competition. “We campaigned very heavily for that and I think that’s a positive,” Horner said.
“I’d even go for a point for pole position, because that has a value. I think with Sprint Qualifying, we’ve got to give it a go and that’s why we’ve agreed to go with it. Maybe more can be done with it in the future. Because the points are a critical element as well, maybe put more emphasis on the points on that race and maybe then reverse that grid.”
Horner’s enthusiasm is shared by several drivers. George Russell said he is “excited” about the introduction of Sprint Qualifying and believes it will increase engagement across a race weekend.
“I think it’s exciting, to be honest,” Russell said. “I think the change would just bring a bit more excitement. It brings three days of proper action, as obviously not a lot of people are interested in practice on a Friday, so qualifying on a Friday, Sprint Qualifying on a Saturday before the main event on Sunday, I think it’s an interesting concept.
“I think we’ve got to give it a chance and see how we get on. But I think I’m excited for it. And if it brings action, if it brings excitement, then that’s in the best interest for everybody.”
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