Fans slam Formula 1 over ‘ridiculous’ and ‘pointless’ format change

Formula 1 fans have shown their discontent after the Sprint format was changed ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Sprint races were first introduced in the 2021 season in a bid to bring more excitement to a race weekend.

The original format saw drivers do a qualifying session on Friday which will set the grid for Saturday’s sprint race.

Saturday’s sprint race result will then be the starting grid for Sunday’s main Grand Prix race.

However, ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, F1 announced that Saturday’s sprint will not have an effect on Sunday’s race.

This meant that Friday’s qualifying session will set the grid for Sunday’s race. Whilst on Saturday, drivers will do a shortened qualifying session to set the grid for the sprint.

The format change has left fans fuming and confused as they reacted on social media.

One said: “Pointless, why change a format that made sense to a format that risks teams wrecking their cars before the actual race starts.”

Another tweeted: “Most ridiculous confusing format change.”

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the first Sprint Saturday of the season tomorrow 🔎 pic.twitter.com/tJo4GbBAyZ

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 28, 2023

A third fan added: “With regards to the #F1Sprint it feels like F1 has backed itself into a corner, they're trying to change the format, but in doing so, they make it more confusing.”

Someone else wrote: “This new format is ridiculous. The Americans have ruined F1 for the sake of profit.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “F1 is being ruined why have qualifying on a Friday afternoon when fans are at work, the way this is done needs changing NOW.”

Another fan added: “Completely pointless. If teams push they risk the car for Sunday, if they don’t push then its boring and pointless.”

"From a fans point of view, it's going to be flat out racing this weekend" 🤩

Christian Horner gives his thoughts on the new Sprint format 👇 pic.twitter.com/QLWimDmz8a

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 28, 2023

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen hinted that the new format could make the race even more chaotic.

He said: “This track is normally quite chaotic and this will only make it more chaotic.”

Whilst Lewis Hamilton said it is “the most exciting weekend so far this year”.

What do you make of the new format? Let us know in the comments.