Our Verdict: How to Fix F1's Weekend Format

Formula 1 is grappling with the optimal weekend format, with Williams boss James Vowles suggesting a two-day schedule to accommodate a larger calendar, while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali seeks more exciting alternatives to traditional practice sessions. This ongoing discussion has prompted a range of opinions from F1 experts on how to best shake up the current format.

Why it matters:

• F1 aims to enhance fan engagement, grow revenue, and provide more compelling 'content' for global audiences and partners.
• Balancing the desires of live event promoters (who rely on Friday attendance) with the viewing experience for remote fans is a key challenge.
• The debate centers on making race weekends more exciting and challenging for teams and drivers, without compromising sporting integrity or increasing workload.

The Details:

• Two-Day Weekends: James Vowles's proposal for a two-day format could condense the schedule, potentially allowing for more races. However, this is seen as impractical by many, as it would reduce track action for paying fans and might not genuinely reduce team workload.
• The Role of Practice: While financially less profitable, practice sessions are crucial for teams to optimize car setups and for drivers to hone skills, especially given the lack of in-season testing. Some suggest extending practice on non-sprint weekends.
• Sprint Races: Sprint races are seen as inevitable, but many experts argue they need more innovation. Current sprints are often criticized for being 'watered-down' versions of the main race, lacking distinct identity or excitement.
  • Proposed Innovations for Sprints:
    • One-Shot Qualifying: Periodically introducing a single-lap qualifying format for sprints to add variety.
    • Reverse Grids: Experimenting with partially or fully reversed grids in sprints to create more on-track action and test car robustness in traffic. This would also provide real-world data for a long-debated concept.
• Team Perspective: Teams, with their advanced simulators and highly skilled personnel, are seen as capable of adapting to reduced practice, often performing well even after washed-out Friday sessions.
• Promoter vs. Viewer: Adopting a two-day format prioritizes the remote viewer over the on-site fan, which may not be desirable given record attendance figures at most F1 events.

Looking Ahead:

F1's leadership is keen on innovation, but faces resistance from teams regarding radical changes to the format. Any successful reform will need to balance the commercial imperative with sporting integrity and fan experience.

• More Sprints, Better Sprints: The consensus suggests more sprint races are likely, but they must evolve to become truly 'must-see' events with unique formats.
• Rethinking Friday: Some propose using Friday for junior categories, fan activations, and media duties, making it a valuable day without F1 practice.
• Finding Balance: Ultimately, any format change must consider the varied interests of fans (both at home and at the track), promoters, and the teams themselves, making it a complex challenge for F1 to navigate.