Formula 1 is planning to double the number of sprint races from six to twelve as early as next year, presenting the move as a response to “fan demand.” However, behind the official enthusiasm, the paddock is far from convinced: drivers are concerned about an increasingly crowded calendar, a format that continues to divide opinion, and a fragile balance between entertainment, workload, and sustainability.
A format that fails to convince the paddock
The idea to increase sprint races from six to twelve reportedly comes from growing demand from fans and promoters. Yet, among the drivers, caution prevails. Carlos Sainz, while maintaining an open attitude, highlights that the format still needs a thorough revision.
“I’m open to it. I think the sprint format still needs to be refined and improved, because sometimes the sprint reveals too much about what will happen on Sunday. If we could improve it and make it a little different from what we see on race day, I would be willing to have more sprint races.”
The real concern, however, is the additional workload that a higher number of sprint weekends would entail.
“Unfortunately, it would mean a significantly higher workload for the drivers, with sprint qualifying and Friday sessions becoming more demanding, and Saturday even more intense. […] A calendar of 24 races with, say, 24 sprints – imagine if one day we finished there – would be very demanding for everyone.”
Leclerc supportive, but with clear limits
Charles Leclerc also appreciates the concept of sprint races but does not want them to become the standard. For him, the strength of the format lies precisely in its exceptional nature.
“I actually really enjoy sprint weekends, but I still believe they should remain a minority of the races. Turning them into a standard weekend in the future, if that is the plan, is not the right approach. At least personally, I wouldn’t like it that way, but I will still drive and adapt. I think six are probably the right number.”
This position reflects a balance between openness to change and the defense of the traditional weekend structure.
The challenge, therefore, will be finding a compromise that does not sacrifice either entertainment value or the already stretched sustainability of the F1 calendar.
The discussion surrounding the expansion of the Sprint format highlights the ongoing tension between commercial growth and the well-being of those who make the sport possible. While the commercial benefits of a 12-Sprint calendar are obvious for stakeholders, the sporting merit and human cost remain significant hurdles that F1 management must address before the 2027 season is finalized.
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