Ecclestone relieved: 'That would have really gone against the DNA of Formula 1'

11:54, 28 Apr 2021
6 Comments

In 2021, Formula 1 will test the format with a sprint race on Saturday during three race weekends. Under the leadership of Bernie Ecclestone this path was never taken, but the former CEO of F1 is not necessarily opposed to this plan.

At Silverstone, Monza and a yet to be named circuit, a sprint race format will be tested during the Formula 1 race weekend. This means that on Friday you get a practice session and qualifying, on Saturday another practice and a sprint race, and on Sunday the 'normal' main race. Ecclestone looks at it from the side.

Ecclestone relieved with sprint races

''It's clear the Formula 1 bosses aren't happy with the current format, otherwise they wouldn't be trying something new. But why not? Let's just see if the fans will accept the sprint races'', says the former Formula 1 boss in conversation with the German Sport1.de.

However, Ecclestone is relieved that the format with a reversed starting grid will not be tested in a Formula One season. ''The most important thing is that the idea with the reverse start grid has been dropped. That would have really gone against the DNA of Formula 1. After all, that means the fastest car is rewarded, not punished,'' the Briton concludes.

Read more about:
6 Comments
mp599 28 April 2021 at 14:44+ 11881

Oh no, sprint race is also totally opposite to the DNA of F1. You have to tell it like it is, and the pure truth is that they are purposely changing the DNA of F1, desperately looking for new spectators (money), i.e. people who have never been interested in the "original" F1. The problem (risk) they don't understand is that no one guarantees them new spectators, while they are very likely to lose fans.

Fez Nene 28 April 2021 at 15:55+ 17880

To even try it now during pandemic will not reflect the true interest in people...

mp599 28 April 2021 at 18:06+ 11881

The interest they (LM) have is selling the F1 "product" to track owners, rights for pay TVs, and selling streaming. These are LM's main businesses, which have not been negatively impacted by the pandemic, which, instead, leaves organizers with almost no revenue. People in attendance is a factor for organizers, much less so for LM. With sprint races, they (LM) are trying to expand their pay-TV and streaming audience.

User Avatar
Nathanolder 28 April 2021 at 13:21+ 3279

With the new regs coming in next year, there is no need for any change to the current format. There was probably an argument for it around 2016 after 3 years of total dominance from Mercedes, but not now. Lets hope its just 3 races and gone for good.

Fez Nene 28 April 2021 at 12:49+ 17880

The most important thing is that the idea with the reverse start grid has been dropped. ..... thank goodness for that... we already are seeing the good battles between teams.. so why spoil it....

krishsud 28 April 2021 at 15:25+ 4806

But then what is wrong in giving a try?if things dont go fine dont implement..even for your love to win multiple championship ,he gave a try to move to merc and it worked.if he dint try he wouldnt have won more than 1 championship seeing mclaren today..