Despite criticism, Ross Brawn gets excited for sprint race

For the second time in the history of Formula 1, a sprint race was organized to determine the starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. If at Silverstone (Great Britain), the format aroused some promise, the sprint race at Monza showed its limits and resulted in good number of negative reactions. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) judging her “very boring”, or Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) railing against this format which is presented as action-packed entertainment. « Looking at the race from the outside, it’s clear that I didn’t see any overtaking.” Despite the negative opinions, Ross Brawn does not budge. “There are a lot of positives to take away. This shook up the order and led to a slightly evolved grid, which in turn created a different dynamic in the race ».

“Three days of excitement instead of two”

After a weekend format that has not changed for decades, the change is welcome according to the general director of F1. “We had three days of excitement and tension. Usually you only have two days. I firmly believe that the whole event was improved – and, as I said, effectively shook up the Grand Prix order.” At the end of the season, an assessment will be made for this new format. “Formula 1 had the courage to carry out this experiment and provide the opportunity to review this format. We still have an avenue (in Brazil) to try this format. Then we will make an objective evaluation of the sprint race.” Will we see the sprint race again for the 1 F2022 season? Hard to say…