Italian GP, Ocon warns against MotoGP-style format in Formula 1
The sprint race format in Formula 1 has always been a topic of debate, but according to Esteban Ocon, the risk of moving toward a MotoGP-style model is becoming more concrete. Speaking at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the French driver wanted to make his position clear on the new ideas being considered by Formula 1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali. The executive has been pushing the possibility of increasing sprint races and even introducing the MotoGP model with mini-races at every race weekend. Ocon, who currently drives for Alpine, responded with caution.
“I have seen different formats over the years, from sprint races to the ATA tyre rules, and many things have been tested. It is right that they consult us, but in my opinion there is no need to revolutionize everything,” Ocon explained.
Ocon during the Italian GP weekend: “Too extreme to go the MotoGP way”
The Frenchman underlined his stance, pointing out that a calendar based entirely on sprint races would carry a major risk for the quality of the spectacle.
“Switching to a MotoGP-style system would be a bit too extreme. I don’t think it would improve the show. Of course, fans want to see more racing—we live in a world where everything is consumed quickly—but the Grand Prix must remain something special. It’s like when you watch a series on Netflix: you immediately want the second season, but sometimes it’s also nice to wait. Formula 1 needs to preserve that sense of anticipation.”
Ocon suggests alternative proposals
Although he rejected the idea of completely overhauling the format, Esteban Ocon admitted that certain adjustments could make sense.
“I agree with Stefano that some races are too long. Those above two hours, like Singapore, could be shortened without losing the spectacle. But Spa or Monza must stay as they are, because strategy there only emerges at the end, as we saw at Zandvoort with those incredible last ten laps,” Ocon explained.
Personal ideas to make race weekends more exciting
The Alpine driver also came up with a few personal suggestions on how to make the weekend more thrilling without completely changing its structure.
“Maybe fewer free practice sessions, or even having qualifying as the very first session of the weekend—that would be fun, a bit like the Super Bowl, a one-shot event that would put everyone under pressure. But it should remain occasional, not the standard format.”
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