Sprint races in Formula 1 have captivated motorsport fans, offering an exciting experience that goes beyond just a preview of the cars’ performance. While some may see them as a way to diminish the intrigue before the main event, Formula 1 management is convinced that the public welcomes them enthusiastically. As a result, sprint races seem set to remain a key part of the calendar.
An interesting aspect of the sprint races is their scheduling, which tends to concentrate toward the end of the season. In fact, half of this year’s sprint events are set for the final six races. This creates an atmosphere of great anticipation and suspense, as each race becomes an opportunity to surprise and delight fans, turning the final stages of the championship into an exciting battle.
The introduction of sprint races, which happened three years ago, marked a significant change in Formula 1. Until then, the race for the title was often predictable, with few surprises. During the season when the title was decided at the last round, only one sprint race took place in the final six, and the points awarded were much more limited than they are now. In the following years, the drivers’ titles in 2022 and 2023 were secured well before the final race, contributing to less thrilling closing stages of the championship.
Today, the situation is different. The drivers’ championship is still open, and the title fight is becoming increasingly exciting, especially with three sprint races in the last six competitions. This factor radically changes the dynamics compared to previous years. Sprint races not only offer an opportunity to earn extra points but also complicate the arithmetic of the championship.
In particular, sprint races introduce a new strategic dimension. Instead of a maximum of 26 points per race, three of the remaining events offer eight extra points each. The net effect is similar to having seven Grands Prix instead of six, increasing the chances of surprises and changes in the standings.
Analyzing the current situation, it’s clear that Lando Norris, currently 52 points behind Max Verstappen, has the opportunity to close in on the leader. In a context where six Grands Prix would usually guarantee up to 156 points, the inclusion of three sprint races raises the total to 180. This means that sprint races give Norris a real chance to reduce the gap and bring the championship fight down to the final round. By halving Verstappen’s advantage, he could keep his hopes of competing until the last race in Abu Dhabi alive.
For instance, Norris would need to outscore Max Verstappen by 26 points over the next five races, including the three sprint races. It’s worth noting that the McLaren driver managed to close exactly that number of points in the last four races, even without sprint races. However, there may be a mathematical reason that limits the beneficial effect of sprint races on Norris.
Although more points are available for wins, sprint races reward lower finishing positions more generously. For example, if Norris were to win a Grand Prix, he would earn 25 points, while Verstappen could secure a maximum of 18 points, equivalent to 72% of Lando Norris’ score. In contrast, if Norris wins a sprint race and earns 8 points, Max Verstappen’s second-place finish would grant him 7 points, which represents 87.5% of Norris’ score. Therefore, even though sprint races offer more opportunities to earn points, the ability to reduce Verstappen’s lead is not as straightforward.
Another element to consider is the current form of the drivers. Max Verstappen has triumphed in all six sprint races this year, a result achieved early in the season when Red Bull showed superior competitiveness.
But what will be the practical consequences of having three sprint races in the last six rounds on the title fight? The four races after the summer break have shown that McLaren has a clear advantage, even if not always obvious, over many of its rivals. High-downforce circuits like Singapore seem to favor them, but there are few similar tracks left on the schedule.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has started to solve some of the problems that were affecting its RB20. In Baku, the team gained ground, although a setup error compromised Max Verstappen during the race. The second place achieved in Singapore was a positive result, on a track where they struggled significantly the previous year.
If they could choose, would Red Bull prefer the opportunity to gain extra points with the sprint races or keep the free practice sessions that are replaced by sprint events? It’s likely the team would opt for the practice sessions, which implies that the composition of the final rounds represents an advantage for Lando Norris.
Additionally, the McLaren driver has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to find the right setup early in race weekends. “We’re always very good at that,” he commented in Singapore. “I think one of our strengths is arriving and performing well, but then we tend not to progress as much as other teams.”
This aspect may be less relevant in the sprint races at Austin, followed by Interlagos and Losail. The latter circuit decided last year’s world championship, but if the title were to be decided so early, it would be due to a mistake by Norris, who will need to continue reducing Max Verstappen’s lead to have a chance of overtaking him.
Finally, it is important to note that Formula 1 is in a phase of transformation, expanding beyond just the racing aspect. This is one of the reasons why sprint races were introduced, with the aim of bringing some unpredictability to race outcomes. While sprint races may provoke mixed opinions, the attempt to “spice up” Grands Prix and make periods of dominance less “boring” could potentially distort the essence of the sport. Formula 1’s challenge remains to strike a balance between spectacle and competition, ensuring that every race, whether sprint or Grand Prix, continues to deliver excitement and surprises for spectators.
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