The ‘Dash’ Dilemma Lately, Method 1’s decision-makers have tried numerous methods to intervene within the conventional weekend format to make it extra progressive and interesting. Probably the most important revolution has undoubtedly been the introduction of Dash races. Launched in a set of three within the 2021 Method One season, with factors awarded solely to the highest three finishers, Sprints have now change into a extra integral a part of the championship. There are six Sprints per season, factors are awarded to the highest eight, and ranging from 2023, there may be even a devoted qualifying session, the Shootout, to find out the beginning grid for these races.
Traditionalist followers haven’t notably favored the sort of occasion, and even the drivers themselves haven’t appeared too passionate about this format. It’s no coincidence that Max Verstappen, the dominant pressure in latest seasons, has typically expressed his opposition to Dash races. One other Method 1 protagonist, Carlos Sainz, contemporary from his splendid third-place end at Monza, has now supplied a suggestion to strive to enliven the state of affairs. The Ferrari driver was a visitor on the P1 with Matt & Tommy podcast.
An Intriguing Thought On this light-hearted and playful context, Maranello’s #55 tried to counsel some attention-grabbing modifications to the format of quick races, offering a helpful start line for the talk: “I’d nonetheless have the Sprints,” Carlos Sainz mentioned, “however with a reversed beginning grid primarily based on the championship standings. Think about Max beginning final, the Ferrari automobiles beginning thirteenth and 14th, the slower automobiles up entrance. The complete discipline can be a lot nearer collectively. And if factors had been awarded as much as the tenth place, I’d begin the race pondering I might make it into the highest 10 or high 5. Max, beginning final, would suppose he might a minimum of end within the high ten with a Crimson Bull.” – the Ferrari driver identified.
“These beginning on the entrance would give it their all to take care of their place,” Carlos Sainz added, “as a result of these may very well be the one factors they rating within the season, or practically. Nowadays can be unimaginable and wouldn’t have an effect on the remainder of the weekend. You’ll nonetheless have the principle race, which is what everybody would wish to win anyway. However there can be this Saturday race the place we might discuss one thing else.” Probably the most attention-grabbing factor is that, in keeping with Carlos Sainz, there may be already a gaggle of drivers in favor of the sort of race, they usually have already proposed it to Method 1’s high administration. “Another drivers and I’ve requested for it,” confirmed the Spanish driver, “we mentioned, ‘for those who actually wish to make the Dash weekend attention-grabbing and check out one thing completely different, why not do that?’”
Carlos Sainz’s criticism of the present race format is that it’s merely a sort of ‘spoiler’ for what’s seen once more on the observe on Sundays.
Sep 12, 2023
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us