Vowles supports the transition to two-day F1 weekends.

      "That's a significantly different idea."

      26 September 2025 - 12:17

      Williams team principal James Vowles advocates for the abolition of Fridays in Formula 1, suggesting a two-day event format instead. As Liberty Media considers increasing the current sprint race slots from 6 to 12 weekends in 2027, there is also discussion around implementing reverse grids and shorter Sunday races.

      On the Business of Sport podcast, Vowles mentioned that shorter weekends could alleviate pressure on teams while enhancing the entertainment value. "I don’t believe we have too many races, but I wouldn’t advocate for increasing our current count," he stated. "We’re asking people at home to engage for half a year, with Formula 1 occupying half their weekends.

      "I think we are nearing the limits of what is feasible," he continued. "I would prefer to switch to a two-day format, specifically Saturday and Sunday."

      Vowles argued that reducing practice sessions introduces more unpredictability into both qualifying and races in a way that feels organic. "If you compel us, we'll have only an hour before qualifying, and that’s all there is."

      "That's quite an alternate scenario," Vowles pointed out. "Our drivers desire every moment in the car. Our engineers want every second with the vehicle. But does the sport benefit if a McLaren qualifies 15th because they simply misjudged the situation?

      "That's a possibility, and it would lead to greater variability in the starting grid."