F1 CEO delivers major hint over future of sprint races

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested the Formula 1 calendar could feature more sprint races next season.

The alternative weekend format was first introduced in 2021 at three events before expanding to six in 2023.

F1 has long considered increasing that number further, and the prospect now appears to be a realistic possibility.

According to Sky Sports, sprint races could be held at nine or 10 events during next year's campaign.

Speaking to the British broadcaster, Domenicali said it is important to ensure fans remain entertained throughout Friday's on-track action during race weekends.

"If you remember in the beginning, people were always sceptical of what we're doing,” he said.

“We have the duty to be, in a way, brave and to think out of the box.

"I think you see the effect. Friday, with the people that we had at Silverstone, if you don't give something that has to be an action, it would be wrong.”

As the sport waits for next year's F1 calendar to be officially published, Domenicali hinted that it is likely to feature a record number of sprint events.

"Therefore, I think that this is the way to go, and we are on the process of announcing the bigger number for the future,” he said.

“This will come when we announce the calendar very, very soon.”