F1 could test different weekend formats in 2020

  • Published on 30 Aug 2019 12:57
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Formula 1 could alter race weekends in 2020 to test different formats for the future seasons, says F1's managing director Ross Brawn.

With new technical and sporting regulations coming into effect in 2021, F1 is looking to revamp the show and introduce new formats to provide a better spectacle for fans.

However, Brawn says that there is "no logical way" for F1 to progress the current weekend format, but testing different arrangments would provide more clarity.

"I'd like to see in 2020 us trying a few things," Brawn told Sky F1. "I think in 2020 we've got a stable platform in terms of the cars, things aren't changing that much, and I think it could be a good opportunity to try variations at one or two races.

"I don't see any other way that we can logically progress the race format. I think the basic race format is good, but would a sprint race be interesting, would some variation in qualifying be interesting.

"I think the teams are up for doing some variations during a Saturday to see if we can touch on a better solution."

With a 22-race calendar coming for 2020, there are worries that an expanding calendar could cause unwanted stress on team members.

However, Brawn insists that F1 is looking at shortening the race weekend for the 2021 season onwards, which will allow the teams to arrive at the circuit on a later day.

"We are looking at the format, what happens on the Friday. We want the cars to run on a Friday, but is there a way of shortening the weekend from an operational point of view for the teams?

"They all turn up on a Tuesday, or even a Monday to get ready. If we could restrict that, if we had a tight parc ferme, we could control the amount of time a team is at the circuit.

"Then we could shorten the operational weekend for them and turn it into a three-day weekend. Again, we remember when you would turn up on a Thursday afternoon, everyone would get there, put the cars in the garage and go racing.

"Now they turn up two or three days earlier, because they want to get everything ready. Could we have two Friday sessions in the afternoon? Slightly shorter sessions. That would mean the teams can prepare on a Friday morning."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • The weekend format is fine. Don't fix what ain't broke. I'd see maybe a FP less or so, but other than that, don't mess with it. Focus on getting a cost cap through.

    • + 0
    • Aug 30 2019 - 16:26

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 17:22

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 17:22

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Nov 23 1954 (70)
  • Place of b. Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England, GB
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile
show sidebar