The Sprints will return to Baku but with a format diverse compared to what we learned about last year. Indeed, the Sprint will have its own qualification, and will not determine the starting grid on Sunday. The public welcomed this change despite a couple of doubts about the single, decisive free practice session, and above all the fact of seeing a Sprint on a demanding circuit like that of Baku. Never pilots I am or I am not favorable to these new changes? Here are the answers received from some of them during the day dedicated to interviews with the Media in Baku.
The words of the pilots
The first to speak during the press conference preceding the weekend in Baku is Sergio Perez who would prefer to see the Sprint only in certain circuits: “I think we have to be open to anything, we'll see how it goes. Maybe Baku isn't the ideal track to bring this format, there's no need because the races are already busy. You should choose tracks that usually offer less show. Free practice 1 will be very important, we will need to be solid from then on, after which each session becomes increasingly important. In the end, I think everyone's priority will remain Sunday, for everyone."
According to Norris it will be exciting, even if it would be better to keep a rather limited number of Sprints during the year: “I think the revised structure is preferable, at least from my point of view, but I don't think it's right to keep it every weekend. I prefer the classic version with qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday but from time to time it's also nice to have the Sprint, exciting for the fans but also for us. I think the new solution is a good compromise, and will make the rest of the weekend more exciting."
An opportunity above all for the mid-group teams, as underlined by Alexander Albon who hopes to be able to seize some opportunity even from the general confusion that could complicate things for others. “The old format didn't make much difference, but this new format could work and be very positive.
A morning of fire
By mutual agreement also Esteban Ocon: “Nice to have a more exciting weekend. Maybe not every weekend. It's nice for a driver to be able to immediately get involved with qualifying after just one practice. There is more uncertainty and there is the possibility that someone will make mistakes. We'll see if this can give more opportunities and if it can highlight the talent of the riders." Lewis Hamilton is also waiting to find out how perhaps the craziest weekend of the season will go. "I think it will be hard for everyone but we are all in the same boat. Baku is a track where we have always seen great racing. It will probably be difficult having only one free practice session, but that's what we're here for.” “It will be very demanding physically and mentally” Bottas reiterates.
It will be a fun weekend also according to Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda"We will need to be very clear-headed and awake from the start since qualifying will take place immediately after breakfast!” commented the Japanese driver ready for the intense program.
