F1 Director Ross Brawn Open to Making Key 2022 Qualifying Change After Max Verstappen’s Criticism

The sprint qualifying weekends have brought in a lot of excitement to Formula One fans. Thanks to the new format, race fanatics get to see more action every single day with qualifying on Friday, Sprint on Saturday, and race on Sunday. However, the format has also brought in many questions and garnered some criticism for its execution. Although, F1 Managing Director Ross Brawn has now mentioned that they are working on some modifications to the format.

The former Ferrari team boss stated that the sport will have six sprint weekends next year. He mentioned that despite some criticism, the response to the format has been positive. However, they are still working on the modifications to the new format in 2022.

Notably, Max Verstappen was among those who criticized the format for awarding pole to the winner of the sprint and not qualifying. “It’s just a bit weird to hear that you’ve got pole position because you are racing,” said Max.

Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 17, 2021, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron

“Maybe we have to get used to that, I don’t know. But that was maybe the weird thing about it. I think still pole position should be deserved over one fast lap. That for me is a proper pole position,” said Max after his sprint win in Silverstone.

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We do it step by step: Ross Brawn

As reported by telegraaf.nl, the Formula One MD mentioned that the reverse grid is not in the immediate future of the sport. They are still debating whether they should award the pole position after the sprint or normal qualifying.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 17: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Ross Brawn, Managing Director (Sporting) of the Formula One Group, before the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 17, 2019, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

“That may be something for the future. We do it step by step. We are still going to talk about the exact implementation for next year. For example, on the agenda is whether the pole position for the statistics should go to the fastest man during qualifying on Friday and also whether more points can be earned on Saturday,” he added.

“That would make it more interesting for drivers to race on Saturday. But it shouldn’t be too many points either, with a view to the actual race on Sunday,” said Ross Brawn.

The sport should award pole position to the fastest driver in the qualifying while awarding points for Sprint. In this manner, the drivers and the teams will have something to gain after the format.

What do you think, should pole be given after Sprint? Let us know.

READ MORE: The F1 Points System Explained

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