Horner not the biggest fan of sprint format: 'Medals for long runs'

With the final Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season approaching, it is a great time for team bosses to look back on the year. There have been many discussions about the current sprint format this year. Among others, Max Verstappen is known to be against it, but how do team bosses Andrea Stella, Christian Horner and Mike Krack feel about it?

McLaren team boss Stella is clear in that regard: "We think that some tuning in the sequence of the sessions and some changes when it comes to the parc ferme rules is the right direction. We don't think that there should be some dramatic changes in the execution of the sprint race. So that's our position," said the Italian team boss.

Horner, of Red Bull Racing, thinks somewhat differently. As far as he is concerned, major changes should be made to the format to keep viewers at their beck and call, and keep it more fun for the sport. In January, the F1 committee will discuss changes with stakeholders.

"I think it's clear that the sprints need to evolve a bit. I can understand the concept and it being action on all three days, which for the promoter and for the fans has an interest. But I think the sprints in some cases have been slightly underwhelming. There's no pit stop. It tends to stay in grid order and it's a little bit like getting a medal for a long run," said Horner

"So I think it needs a bit more work doing on it within the sporting forum. And then no doubt we'll sit down at the next commission meeting early in the new year and hopefully finalise a format," Horner concluded. Aston Martin team boss Krack agrees with the points raised. "Nothing to add actually. Everything was said as it should."