Jan.20 - Formula 1's sprint race plans for 2022 remain up in the air - because of a dispute about money.
The sport's administration was happy with the three-race trial of the new sprint qualifying format in 2021, and intended to at least double the number of sprints this year.
A title sponsor for the sprints - crypto.com - has been brought on board by Formula 1, while Bahrain, Imola, Montreal, Spielberg, Zandvoort and Interlagos are understood to be short-listed as the likely venues for 2022.
But McLaren supremo Zak Brown says the entire plan is now in doubt due to some rival teams' "ridiculous" demands for up to $5 million budget compensation to account for additional expenses.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that even top teams Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are asking for at least $2.65m each.
McLaren's Brown says it's just a money grab.
"There is clear evidence that there was hardly any damage to the cars in the sprint races last year," he told the German magazine. "I think this is a clumsy attempt to defend against the loss of their competitive advantage."
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Finally, the $$$ issue might give us some joy. Anything to get rid of those superfluous sprint displays.
I usually concur with your comments ROR, but I differ on this - I found the sprint quali format quite enjoyable and would be fine if they increased it to 4 or 5 or even 6 weekends this year. Maybe because here in the US many series use "heat racing" to set the grid for the "main" so we're more used to the concept?
F1 does not need the sprint races it is just a waste of money and liberty trying to create a spectacle that is totally pointless. Lets hope we never have to witness this crap again!
Hear, Hear
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