F1 Mulling ‘Bonus’ Points During Sprint Qualifying Weekends

After a heated devate, Sprint races will finally take place this year. Moreover, there will be an added risk as there will be more points to grab over the course of the weekend. We will see the first Sprint race at the British GP at Silverstone. As per F1 boss, Stefano Domenicali, these extra points will generate more interest in Formula One.

With the opportunity to grab extra points for this season, teams and drivers will push the limits around the track that will help score crucial points for both, the drivers and the constructor’s championship.

F1 boss believes Sprint races will make things more interesting

As quoted from Gazzetta, Domenicali said, “We don’t want to sit on the laurels of a format that could become old from classic. This is an experiment that should make Friday, Saturday and Sunday interesting. With the tests on the first day preparatory to a short race.- called Sprint race.

“To be held on Saturday which establishes the starting order of the main race on Sunday. A formula that offers more content for television and that allows organizers to spread interest over several days.”

Watch This Story: F1 Sprint Races: What Are They and Where Will They be Held

“For the riders we are thinking of a bonus of points for those who hit the grand slam: pole, victory in the Sprint race and victory of the Grand Prix. If successful, it can become the permanent way of running the most historic and iconic grand prix,” Stefano concluded. (Translated from Italian via Google)

Toto Wolff shares his concerns about the idea of Sprint Races

Teams and drivers are content with the current race weekend format. One such person is Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, who is skeptical about the idea of a Sprint Race but has kept an open mind about it.

As quoted from GPFans, Wolff said, “We are in a data-driven world.  So, I don’t think we want to block anything. It’s worth the experiment but we need to be very careful with it. With the format that we have and with the responsibility we carry for Formula 1.”

With the Sprint races being introduced as an experiment this year, do you think it will make for more interesting title battles as these races can offer crucial points? Let us know in the comments below.

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