After the 3 F1 Sprints, we take stock (calmly)

We have known for a long time that the F1 was not going to wait for the 3rd and final Sprint of the year to renew and strengthen the experience in 2022.

From the 2nd full-scale test in Monza (Italy) at the beginning of September, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the F1 Group, confided that there would be between 7 and 8 Sprint rounds next year, since the feedback was unanimously positive according to the Italian! 

This figure was then revised downwards by its sporting director Ross Brawn, who confirmed the holding of 6 short events in 2022.

If the São Paulo Sprint was indeed lively, it owes it largely to Lewis Hamilton's lightning comeback, forced to start dead last after being disqualified for DRS non-compliant.

By signing 14 overtakes in 24 laps, the seven-time world champion allowed Brawn, his former main team Mercedes, to affirm that he had seen “ the best Sprint so far with lots of action on track ».

« The freedom of choice of tires at the start, a rule specific to Sprint, played a big role, added the former technical director Ferrari. Using the Tenders, (Valtteri) Bottas et (carlos) Sainz were able to get off to an excellent start and will start in the Top 3 on Sunday ».

The drivers who opted for the red rubber were actually able to surprise their rivals in Mediums when the lights went out. This was also the case forEsteban Ocon in Alpine, 10th at the start and 9th at the finish, on the heels of Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) who does not carry the Sprint in his heart. The Frenchman was in 4th place on the grid before losing 3 places on the initial momentum.

But beyond the traditional permutations that we see at any start, were there really that many overtakes, without counting the return ofHamilton naturally?

Lando Norris et Charles Leclerc rewarded us with a beautiful duel, the pilot McLaren finally finding the opening after a muscular battle and resistance to the limit from the Ferrari driver.

For the rest, most of the cars finished where they had completed the first lap, with the exception of the place lost compared to Hamilton for the riders concerned.

A trend that we had already noted during the Silverstone and Monza Sprints. In other words, after the start lottery, not much happens, particularly because the tire strategies do not have time to develop over such a short distance.

« I don't find Sprint races to be very fun “, grumbled Sergio Pérez after spending 24 laps in the rear wing of Sainz’s Ferrari. The Mexican is one of the drivers least enthusiastic about the concept. It must be said that he never smiled at her!

« It's mainly made for fans, so if they like it, great, added the pilot Red Bull, who was notably rejected at the back of the grid at Silverstone (United Kingdom) because of a poorly negotiated Sprint.

But it's not my cup of tea. I have the feeling that there is not a lot of action, not a lot of overtaking. This does not change much with the Grand Prix, which remains the main event. You can't take a lot of risks because it's not real racing. There's not much to gain, and a lot to lose ».

Words that did not prevent Brawn from providing after-sales service for his baby.

« Without the Sprint, Lewis would have started at the back of the grid on Sunday; instead he has a real chance by starting 10th, commented the F1 sporting director.

We believe that the foundations are very solid and we will present more details regarding the 6 rounds planned for 2022 during our discussions with the FIA ​​and the teams.

There are some things to refine but Brazil showed they are a great addition to the weekend schedule with highlights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ". And above all, increasing revenues.

If Brawn has ruled out the possibility of introducing reverse grids in F1 in the near future, there is no doubt that the great comeback of his former driver will have given some (very bad) ideas in high places.

While waiting to cross this unacceptable rubicund for the DNA of the pinnacle of motorsport, the idea of ​​a Sprint classification independent of the world championship is slowly gaining ground.

The opportunity for F1 to award yet another improbable trophy, sponsored by a generous partner in search of visibility!