F1 could experiment with sprint races from 2021

The format of Grand Prix weekends, a recurring subject ad nauseam in the paddock discussions for several seasons, could include Sprint rounds on Saturday from the coming season. 

In any case, this is what Stefano Domenicali said during a recent small media session. The new captain of the F1, who officially replaced Chase Carey on January 1, 2021, on the other hand ruled out the introduction of races with reversed grids, a prospect that has been mentioned on numerous occasions in recent months. 

« Inverted grids are over, confided the ex-team principal Ferrari, in comments reported by the official F1 website. While it is important to consider adopting new ideas to make the sport more attractive, we must not lose sight of the traditional approach to running. 

We learned in the past that if we changed the qualifying format every 2 days, we risked burning our fingers. Let's avoid this. I think the current formula is quite stable. 

On the other hand, we are interested in what a Sprint round format could give on Saturday. It is believed that such a measure could be tested as early as this season. Discussions are underway with the teams, in the appropriate exchange rooms. This is perhaps the only option that could be interesting ». 

Sprint events are a constant in promotion formulas but they go hand in hand with an inverted or semi-inverted grid, based on the result of a long race. 

How would such a condensed format fit into the F1 points scale? Would there be 2 qualifying sessions, one for the traditional Grand Prix and another for the Sprint round? What about the annual engine allowance and spare parts?

Unless this Sprint round is reserved only for rookies? Domenicali wants to offer more track time to beginners at a time when opportunities to test an F1 car are becoming rarer.