Sainz advocates for a reform of the sprint weekend format.

      "Let everyone begin only on the soft tyre"

      Carlos Sainz has called for Formula 1 to implement new changes to its sprint weekend format, as the concept remains divisive among drivers and promoters ahead of this weekend’s sprint event in Austin. The Williams driver, who also holds a position as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, mentioned to Auto Motor und Sport that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is "open to exploring new ideas," but he believes the current structure does not generate much thrill.

      "For me, changing the format is crucial. Stefano is receptive to new proposals. Currently, I’m not a fan of the sprint," Sainz stated. "It simply demonstrates what the initial stint on Sunday will resemble." Sainz shared that he has "his own suggestions" for enhancing the short-format races.

      "A straightforward solution would be to require everyone to start only on the soft tyre, as it wears out quickly," he explained. "At certain tracks, we use the soft tyre for just one fast lap, after which we discard five sets that have barely been used." However, Sainz feels that this alone wouldn’t suffice.

      "It needs something more thrilling," he remarked. "We have to try different formats and be open-minded about it. If it proves effective, that would be fantastic. If not, we’ll just modify it, as we have done in the past." Domenicali recently reinitiated discussions about the possibility of a reversed grid for sprints—an idea that Sainz has neither fully supported nor dismissed.

      "Personally, I’m not very fond of it, but I’m not fundamentally opposed either," he expressed. The Spaniard instead suggested another option: "Sprint qualifying could be altered; for instance, introducing a Super Pole would be one possibility." This format, briefly used in the early 2000s, would have each driver complete an individual flying lap to set the grid.

      Any proposed changes are unlikely to be enacted before 2027 unless F1, the FIA, and all 11 teams reach a unanimous agreement—under such circumstances, new sprint regulations could be introduced as early as 2026. Meanwhile, Bobby Epstein, the promoter of the US GP, expressed uncertainty regarding whether sprint weekends significantly enhance ticket sales, even as COTA opts to eliminate its sprint next year.

      "I believe sprint events add value to tickets, so I’m appreciative of that," Epstein stated to AS-Web. "I’m uncertain if it has greatly increased ticket sales, but fans seem to enjoy it."

      "They weren't initially perceived as a valuable asset and didn't necessarily boost ticket sales, but they do enhance the ticket value and provide more for the audience, which we have always appreciated," he noted.

      "We’re not yet certain if this will result in higher ticket sales, but if fans spend more time at the circuit by purchasing weekend passes, that will benefit us." Epstein also acknowledged that the sprint format may not be a decisive factor for spectators when deciding to attend.

      "I don’t think anyone is making the decision to attend a Grand Prix based on the presence of a sprint race," he said. "We haven’t determined yet if it’s a significant consideration, but it could be becoming more influential. We’ll need to analyze the data."

      Based on current statistics, he concluded, "We haven’t observed any major changes in terms of sales or demand, but we certainly see an increase in entertainment value, and that is undeniably important to us."