JANUARY 31, 2022

Quite late to confirm 2022 sprint races says Horner

It is getting late in the day to confirm the sprint qualifying format for 2022, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Fernando Alonso, British GP 2021
© Alpine

It is getting late in the day to confirm the sprint qualifying format for 2022, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

We reported recently that some teams are arguing they need extra funds from Formula 1 to cover the additional racing this year, with F1 hoping to run six weekends this year with the new format.

Horner told the Indian broadcaster WION that while the sprint races last year were "interesting", time is running out to tweak, expand and confirm the format for 2022.

"It wasn't perfect but if you don't try something then you don't know. I think there are things that could be done to make it more exciting, to make it more interesting," he added.

"But it's getting quite late now and we're going to need to have a decision pretty shortly."

Indeed, rumours suggest the FIA is preparing to convene an emergency meeting of the World Motor Sport Council this week, reportedly to also discuss a reversion 60-minute practice sessions for 2022 and race director Michael Masi's future.

(GMM)