All 20 drivers have their say on Formula 1’s new ‘standalone’ sprint race format · RaceFans

One subject dominated discussions ahead of the fourth round of the world champion: Formula 1’s revised sprint race format.

The first sprint race will take place tomorrow. However in a departure from the previous format, it will no longer decide the grid for the grand prix. Instead both the sprint race and grand prix will have their own qualifying sessions.

Will that improve a format which proved divisive on its introduction in 2021? Will all 20 drivers have a reason to push flat-out when only the top eight places score points? And is Baku City Circuit the right place for a sprint race?

Here’s what all 20 F1 drivers told media including RaceFans at the track yesterday.

Max Verstappen

I look at it from a racing point of view and probably F1 looks at it from a business point of view. And of course I understand these sprint races they probably are a bit more exciting.

But then I look at it from the racing point of view and normally when you do the sprint race of course lap one, exciting, a few shunts here and there, a bit of damage or a Safety Car. A bit more excitement. But then throughout the race you get quite a clear picture of what is happening, who is the quickest moments.

So then you also have quite a clear view on what’s going to happen the next day. And that probably takes a bit the shine away from the main event.

Sergio Perez

I think we have to remain open. Let’s see how it goes. I just feel like there are places where you can bring this Sprint format. Baku, normally, generally, the racing is great just with the standard format, so probably there are races where we need to be more selective with the races where we need to improve things.

But let’s see. I really don’t have a strong opinion. I think it puts a lot of emphasis to be strong, to have a very solid FP1 and then from that onwards we’ll see. Every session becomes really important. But at the end of the day, I think Sunday is the priority for everyone.

Charles Leclerc

I prefer it. I don’t want it to become the main format in the future, but I think as a few weekends like this it’s quite good. Let’s see if it confirms that the show would be better on track, but I think it will be better in practice.

I think in a normal season it’s not too bad. But knowing that the last time you were in the car was three weeks ago, it feels like a bit of a summer break: You come back from a break,…