What Formula One was decades ago, and what it is today, is a result of a series of changes in the rules and regulations. All the differences were made just to engage fans more. The 2023 F1 season started with the aim of 23 races and 6 sprints. But reportedly, there is another set of rules coming soon, perhaps before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. To implement a new format for sprints, the 10 F1 bosses held a meeting last Saturday. Some may get frustrated about the increasing number of races in a season and new rules as it makes the schedule more hectic, but it sounds intriguing to the seven-time world champion. Lewis Hamilton sees these changes as an evolution that somehow is necessary.
Lewis Hamilton lately suggested, “We constantly need to be evolving and asserting what we are doing.” And thus, the proposed changes getting introduced in the sprints are nothing but a ‘positive’ step taken in order to let the audience engage more!
However, if you are not yet aware of what the hell these changes we are talking about, you must know that in the meeting held last week, a new format for the sprint race weekend has been proposed. It has been decided that on Saturday, there will be an extra qualifying race which will be responsible for giving positions for the Sprint. And for Sunday’s grid, a qualifying session will be held on Friday. However, these are not yet approved by the F1 Commission and the World Motorsport Council. But most likely, this proposal will get accepted, and on the very first Sprint of the season, we will see two qualifying sessions.
Lewis Hamilton Is Ready For The Adopting Any Rule Change, But Wolff Prefers Better Future
Nevertheless, if it takes discussions to make F1 more inclusive and fascinating, Hamilton is always ready. The main motive for doing so should be the engagement of the audience and the sport. The Briton has no problem driving for an extra qualifying. He is a driver, and driving stands for “super fun” for him ALWAYS! But sadly, here, Hamilton does not match with his boss, Toto Wolff. Read below to learn how.
Mercedes was one of the main members in the discussion carried out to introduce a new Sprint format. He no doubt supported the decision to make those changes. But Wolff also added, “We need to be open-minded about where the sport is going.”
In terms of sharing the objective, Wolff believes we all are on the same page. Everyone wants Formula One to continue developing and growing its fans. But we just can’t make dramatic changes in order to attract them. “Finding a common dominator is of what will be the best principle to get followed” is what’s necessary.
Speaking of which side Toto Wolff stands on, he directly said, “I am more on the conservative side.” The Austrian never said that he did not like the qualifying, Grand Prix, or the great prize; he loves it all. But the changes for them should be made with responsibility. However, Wolff believes that Stefano, the head of the F1 commission, will make a good decision.