Is formula 1 going mad?

As of yesterday, Formula 1 has confirmed that from the 2023 World Championship onwards there will be 6 races included in the schedule where the sprint race format will be introduced.

The sprint race, more commonly used in the Formula 2 and 3 World Championships, was embodied into the Formula 1 calendar in July 2021 and debuted at Silverstone Circuit. The reaction from the fans after the conclusion of the race weekend was positive, however, it could be seen to crowd the weekend schedule with qualifying being pushed to Friday. The six sprint races will be added on top of the existing 24 feature races in the 2023 Formula 1 calendar. This could be a challenge for those teams already struggling financially such as Williams and Haas. The cost and demand for expensive parts, in addition to the encouragement of engine wear due to the more intense and compact season, will need to be increased, showing the harmful elements of the FIA’s decision.

Lewis Hamilton after his win at Silverstone in 2021. Lars Baron/ AFP

2021 was arguably one of the most dramatic and entertaining seasons since the start of the hybrid era. Hamilton showed his quality in one of his best race weekend performances to date at Interlagos, Brazil, where he started the sprint race from the back of the grid where he finished 5th. Hamilton then finished the feature race on Sunday in 1st place after passing Max Verstappen on Lap 59!

22 races and 3 sprint races seemed like the limit for Formula 1, however, the more crowded schedule including a total of 30 races appears like an absurd plan from the FIA.