F1 News: Pierre Gasly And Esteban Ocon Speak Out On 2024 Sprint Race Changes

Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon commend the proposed sprint race changes.

Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have recently shown their support for the proposed revamping of the Sprint race format and the potential easing of parc ferme rules in Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine drivers express support for the overhaul of the Sprint race format and parc ferme regulations.
• Proposed changes include holding Sprint qualifying on Friday after the first practice session, with adjustments allowed before Saturday's Grand Prix qualifying.
• The updates aim to enhance team strategy flexibility and vehicle performance following a lukewarm reception to the 2023 Sprint races.

Alpine Press Image

The Formula 1 Sprint race format is set for a makeover, with Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon voicing their support for the proposed updates. These changes, aimed at improving the racing experience and addressing previous criticisms, include a revised weekend schedule and a relaxation of parc ferme regulations.

Responding to feedback, the F1 Commission has suggested a new itinerary that places Sprint qualifying on Friday, following the initial practice session. This would precede the Sprint race on Saturday, leading up to the Grand Prix qualifying. This adjustment aims to address the challenges teams faced last season when limited practice time led to irreversible setup decisions, negatively impacting race strategies.

Pierre Gasly, speaking at the launch of the Alpine A524 for the 2024 season, praised the proposed changes, particularly the relaxation of parc ferme rules during Sprint weekends:

“I think that’s great, I think that was missing definitely. We ended up last year having amazing, brilliant, genius guys on a Friday afternoon being forbidden to touch anything on our car.

"That’s why they are paid for and that’s why they are the best. It was a bit sad because they have much more to bring to the table than just one or two clicks of front flap and tyre pressure.

"I think it’s definitely F1 is the top of engineering and I think we [should] still give them the opportunity to always have these continuous improvements through the weekend.”

Alpine Press Image

Esteban Ocon also expressed his enthusiasm for the proposed format, highlighting its potential to prevent the kind of issues teams faced with car setups in previous Sprint races:

“Yeah, it would be good. To do a Sprint Shootout and then close the parc ferme to do the Sprint race, that’s good, and then reopen it before qualifying I think that’s what we should be doing.

"It would be much more interesting as a weekend. And we would see a lot less mistakes with stupid things like plank wear and stuff.”

These proposed changes, which are still pending formal approval from the World Motorsport Council, aim to inject more excitement into Sprint race weekends by allowing teams greater freedom for in-event car optimisation. With six Sprint races scheduled for the 2024 season, including in locations like China and Miami, the upcoming season promises a refreshed and dynamic racing spectacle.

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