Formula One teams agreed to double the number of sprint races to six by 2023 in a meeting on Tuesday, but formal approval has been stalled by the FIA, who have called for a further review. .
The world governing body said in a statement that it proposed to use the same format as this season, with points awarded to the top eight in the seventh 100km sprint, but it reserved the ruling.
“While supporting the principle of an increased number of sprint events, the FIA is still assessing the impact of this proposal on roadside operations and personnel and will provide feedback to the committee.” , it said.
The meeting was chaired by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and sources said the regulator wanted a financial contribution from Formula One. There was no immediate comment from the FIA.
A super majority is needed for the change to take effect next year, and the FIA holds a third of the votes on the committee.
The first sprint of this season is held at Imola in Italy over the weekendwith Formula One chief executive Ross Brawn spelled out Looking forward to more after this format is first tested in 2021.
“I think what I want to do is finish at least six races and then after these three races we can see if there are format developments that we want to do,” he said. with reporters at Imola on Saturday. “But I just want to move on to six races.”
The sprint format showed qualifying for the official pole position on Friday, with Saturday’s race setting the grid for Sunday’s Grand prix.
The remaining two races this year will be held in Austria and Brazil.
The FIA also sets targets on aerodynamic regulations regarding the introduction of a new electric unit from 2026.
The goals are to reduce drag significantly to offset any decline in power, increase sustainability with more standardized or simplified components, further develop close races and do for smaller and lighter cars.
Helmet cameras, which were tested recently, were considered a success, and it was unanimously agreed to update next year’s technical regulations to make them mandatory for all drivers.
The committee also agreed to experiment with reducing tire allocation from 13 to 11 at two events next season as part of a move that intends for more sustainable use in the future.
Cost limits and the pressures of rising inflation were also discussed, with the sports finance working group making recommendations.
There was no word on a replacement for the Russian Grand Prix, which was canceled following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia calls its military action ‘special operation’
The media speculated that Singapore could host head-to-head races or a European circuit like Portugal’s Portimao could return. Qatar has also been mentioned but there are concerns about the heat.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said there would still be a record 23 races as originally planned.
