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Wolff doesn't want a sprint race every weekend: 'Too much randomness'

10:39, 18 Jul 2021

byGPblog.com

Yesterday the first test took place with the sprint race in Formula 1. Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing beat Mercedes and took pole position. Toto Wolff likes the new format but thinks it should only be used at select "Grand Slam" events.

According to the Mercedes team boss, the sprint race is a good addition, but it is too random. “I think it's entertaining for the crowds on the track", Wolff told Autosport.com.

“A start is always interesting and good content. And obviously, [Fernando] Alonso was fun to watch. So I think overall, it is a good add-on. I don't see it at every race. I think there's too much randomness."

Wolff wants sprint race for limited number of races

Sergio Perez spun from fifth place and eventually crashed out. "If you see Sergio [Perez[ spinning out and then retiring, last is not the place that Sergio Perez should be, and therefore for him, obviously, it could really work against you if you're one of the frontrunners", Wolff said.

“I think if it is a kind of Grand Slam for a couple or a few races, I think that is good because you provide some real entertainment on the Saturday. We are prime time TV Friday night, we are primetime TV Saturday night, and obviously the [we have the] Grand Prix [on Sunday]", Wolff continued.

“So I think we can tweak the format a little bit. But fundamentally, I think if we do five races like this, I'm pro. Maybe four is the right amount, not five", he finishes. After this weekend, the sprint race will take place two more times this season. After that, a decision will be made about a return in 2022.