Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, holds the title of the most successful Formula 1 racer in the Sprint format, yet he consistently expresses his disapproval of it. The 2024 race calendar confirms an additional six Formula 1 Sprint events, contributing to a record-breaking 24-race season. While 18 weekends will adhere to the traditional format, featuring practice sessions, qualifying, and the main Grand Prix, the remaining six will host a supplementary short-form Sprint race.

Four of these Sprint events will occur at familiar venues, with Austria and Brazil becoming Sprint regulars, and Austin and Qatar adopting the format for the second time. The other two Sprints will be held at circuits that have not hosted one before, marking Shanghai’s return to the annual calendar after a hiatus due to Covid, and Miami hosting a Sprint two weeks later in mid-April. Since the introduction of Sprints in 2021, only five drivers have secured victories, with Valtteri Bottas winning two events in 2021 and Max Verstappen dominating with seven victories.

Despite his success, Verstappen remains a vocal critic of the Sprint format, emphasizing his preference for the traditional racing format. He believes the regular format is more thrilling, allowing drivers to push their limits, especially in qualifying, where the familiarity gained from practice sessions is advantageous. Verstappen contends that Sprints diminish the excitement by providing a preview of the main race, robbing fans of the uncertainty and surprise factor. He argues that the Sprint race reveals too much information about teams’ performance, taking away the suspense that makes Formula 1 races captivating.

In response to criticisms, Formula 1 authorities are actively working on adjustments to the Sprint format to enhance its appeal to fans. While specific changes are yet to be disclosed, one emerging proposal involves partially-reversed grids for the Sprint, with potential points awarded for top Shootout positions to encourage teams to pursue pole positions.