F1 needs to try sprint races despite controversy - Wolff
Toto Wolff believes the introduction of sprint races to Formula 1 in 2021 is something the series "needs to do" despite accepting it will "create controversy".

F1 is currently establishing details for the running of sprint races at three grands prix in 2021, staged on Saturdays to set the grid for the Sunday race.
The proposal to hold sprint races in Canada, Italy and Brazil received "broad support" from teams at the latest F1 Commission meeting, but requires further details to be finalised before a decision is taken later this month.
Drivers have so far been lukewarm over the plans, with many airing concerns that it could devalue the main grand prix on Sundays.
But Mercedes team principal Wolff felt adding another race to the weekend schedule could be successful for F1, citing DTM's decision to hold races on Saturday and Sunday since 2014 as proof of the benefits.
"The sprint races are an interesting format in my opinion, and an experiment which I believe we need to do," Wolff said when asked by Motorsport.com for his view on the plan. "I've seen in other racing series, like DTM, that the audience almost doubled with having a Saturday and Sunday race, and that obviously can be monetised.
"I think if we were to do this without some interference to create a fake show, then there is merit to try it.
"I'm not sure we will like the outcome, because qualifying as we have it today is a real qualifying and a sprint race always bears the risk of damage which can be costly and a huge impact on Sunday's grid and the ability to perform.
"For sure it is going to create controversy too, but giving it a try for three races in 2021 in the right framework, we will be up for it."
Read Also:
F1 had originally considered staging sprint races at some events in 2020 using a reverse grid format, only for Mercedes to block the proposal.
Wolff stressed at the time that Mercedes would not support a "lottery" format by reversing the grid to favour its rivals, saying it went against the DNA of F1.
Despite now being in favour of sprint races, Wolff said it was only because the grid for the Saturday event would still be determined by a regular qualifying session on Saturday, avoiding any artificial results.
"Reverse grids have no place in any sport that is based on measuring and competing in the true sense of sport," Wolff said.
"We are entertainment, but the moment we slide into show and Hollywood, you will lose a lot of credibility as a sport overall.
"Not every decision that increases the entertainment factor is right for Formula 1. It always needs to be balanced between the DNA of true sport, best man and machine wins, and what the fans would like to see."
Related video

Previous article
We’ll “get the best” out of Vettel at Aston, says Szafnauer
Next article
Alpine explains decision to ditch F1 team principal role

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Author | Luke Smith |
F1 needs to try sprint races despite controversy - Wolff
Trending
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
The nightmare timing that now hinders Mercedes
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton took victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite, for a change, not having the quickest car. But any hopes of developing its W12 to surpass Red Bull's RB16B in terms of outright speed could not have come at a worse time.
How Verstappen's Bahrain mistake can only make him stronger
Max Verstappen lost out to Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix by a tiny margin, slipping off the track just as victory was within his grasp. But the painful lesson from defeat can only help Verstappen come back even stronger