FORMULA ONE have announced a huge update to the 2024 season calendar.
Next season is set to feature a record-breaking 24 races, one up from the 23 held this season.
Scroll down to see full 2024 Sprint Race calendar
However, F1 bosses have pressed forward with plans to expand the divisive Sprint Race format.
F1 held six different weekends featuring a Sprint Race in the 2023, with varying degrees of success.
There will once again be six weekends which feature Sprint Races, including two tracks holding one for the first time.
The Chinese Grand Prix, which saw its 2023 race cancelled due to difficulties with Covid-19, has been pencilled in as one weekend to hold a Sprint Race.
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The other new venue for a Sprint Race is Miami. Returning tracks for the format are Austria, America (COTA), Brazil and Qatar.
However, this move is likely to upset reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is well known to not be a fan of Sprint Races.
On the race format, he previously said: “I’m not a fan of it at all.
“When we do all that kind of stuff the weekend becomes more intense and we’re already doing so many races. So that’s not the right way to go about it.
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“I understand of course they wanted to have every day exciting but then it’s maybe better to reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.”
He has even gone so far as to threaten to QUIT F1 if sport bosses keep making changes to the rules.
Finer details of the Sprint Races are yet to be finalised with sport bosses set to discuss potential changes to the format, including revised timings and parc ferme regulations.
On next year’s sprint calendar, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home.
“Since its creation in 2021, the sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the sprints this year.
“The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend.
“We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the sprint format.”
Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
