Briatore and Marko support Domenicali's advocacy for F1 entertainment.

      "We could hold sprint races every race weekend."

      Two of Formula 1’s most experienced figures, Flavio Briatore and Helmut Marko, have expressed their support for Stefano Domenicali’s proposal to revamp race weekends. Traditionalists are doubtful about concepts such as increasing sprint races, implementing reverse grids, and shortening grands prix. However, Alpine advisor Briatore stated in La Gazzetta dello Sport that he aligns with F1’s CEO.

      "I completely agree," remarked the 75-year-old Italian. "F1 fans are our heroes—they support our sport by the hundreds of thousands under all circumstances, and we don’t offer much in return. F1 has often been reluctant to reciprocate their support, and I believe it’s now heading in the right direction." Briatore, a long-time advocate for enhancing the "show" aspect, suggested that sprint races be expanded. "Nobody cares about Friday's practice sessions," he emphasized.

      "If you introduce some competition on Friday, the weekend becomes more engaging. I think we could implement sprint races every race weekend. We’ve gradually tested them, and they work, so that’s the next step." He highlighted the packed grandstands at Monza and the growing crowds in America as evidence. "In Italy, there’s a tradition of passion, regardless of whether Ferrari wins or loses," Briatore noted. "What surprises me is the turnout at grands prix in the United States, which would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago."

      However, Briatore is less convinced about the drastic regulation changes planned for 2026. "They’re very complex, and this will create confusion on the track, both for us and for the fans," he cautioned. "It’s unfortunate because under the current regulations, we’re all very close, and the show is fantastic, with teams investing significantly in engine and car changes. But the track will ultimately provide the answers."

      Meanwhile, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Dr. Marko is also becoming more open to changes, mentioning that Max Verstappen has warmed up to the idea as well. "Max wasn’t initially enthusiastic, but he has come to accept it," he told Kleine Zeitung. "The sprints have been beneficial for the organizers, as they make Friday and Saturday more appealing. The excitement and spectacle must be preserved."

      However, he firmly opposes the concept of reverse grids. "Given the current cars, overtaking is not feasible, so that would be pointless in Formula 1," stated Marko, who is 82. "We’ll have to wait until next year to see if the cars respond differently."