F1 Drivers Divided Over Proposals for Shorter Grand Prix Races

F1’s top brass is proposing shorter Grand Prix races to attract a younger audience, but the idea has met with a split reaction among the sport’s leading drivers. This move comes as F1 explores ways to evolve its weekend format.

Why it matters:

F1 is seeking to engage a younger demographic by potentially shortening Grand Prix races and expanding sprint weekends. This sparks a critical debate between maintaining the sport’s tradition and adapting to modern consumption habits.

The Big Picture:

Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, has signaled a strategic shift, suggesting current race lengths are "too long for young people" who prefer "exciting moments." He indicates that fans and promoters are "tired of free practice" and that weekend formats need reshaping for more on-track action. Domenicali also claims a significant shift in driver sentiment, noting that initially 18 drivers opposed sprint races, but now the majority are in favor.

Driver Reactions:

• Max Verstappen, a vocal critic of sprint races, firmly rejected the idea of shorter Grand Prix distances. He argued that the inherent unpredictability of sport, including moments that are "absolutely boring," is part of its appeal. Verstappen emphasized that closer team competition is more crucial than format changes.
• Fernando Alonso framed the debate as a societal issue concerning attention spans, not a flaw in F1 itself. He drew parallels to football, where matches are not shortened despite viewers not always watching the full 90 minutes with constant concentration.
• Esteban Ocon offered a nuanced perspective, suggesting that only exceptionally long races (e.g., Singapore, which can exceed two hours) might benefit from slight shortening without compromising the spectacle. However, he argued that traditional circuits like Monza or Spa should maintain their current lengths.
• Kimi Antonelli expressed support for more sprint races, praising their intensity, but cautioned that shortening main races would complicate pit strategy and prevent drivers from effectively building their race.
• Oscar Piastri maintained a neutral stance, noting that the current format generally works well and that the necessity for changes depends on the specific characteristics of each race.

What's Next:

Discussions are ongoing with the teams to determine the future format of F1 weekends. The goal is to strike a balance between enhancing fan engagement and preserving the sport’s rich heritage.