Fernando Alonso Blasts ‘Useless’ Sprint Races

Fernando Alonso
Portrait, helmet, Miami International Autodrome, GP2406a, F1, GP, USA Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team
Fernando Alonso
Portrait, helmet, Miami International Autodrome, GP2406a, F1, GP, USA Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team

Formula 1 drivers are continuing to rail against the controversial sprint weekend format.

Amid talk of an expansion of the concept from six to 12 grands prix for 2025, the tweaked format debuted in Shanghai recently and is in play once again in Miami.

“It felt a little weird (in China) having the sprint race and then you prepare again for qualifying,” admitted McLaren driver Oscar Piastri.

Sergio Perez added: “Opening the parc ferme has put a lot of extra workload on the mechanics and I think it’s something we really have to look at.”

With the harshest opinion of all, however, is F1 veteran Fernando Alonso. He was harshly penalised by FIA stewards for a clash with Carlos Sainz in the recent Shanghai sprint.

Aston Martin appealed the decision, but in Miami the case was thrown out.

“The decision surprises us,” team boss Mike Krack told DAZN, “but now we have to turn the page. We are now in Miami, we have another sprint weekend and we have to move forward.”

Alonso, though, remained furious about the situation even after qualifying eighth in Friday’s sprint qualifying in Miami.

“We will see what we can learn for the race, but the sprint is useless,” he told Spanish reporters in Miami.

“There are very few points at stake and they don’t let us compete because they keep penalising us. So it will be a boring day from outside – we will be on the car train but we will collect useful information at least.

“We haven’t done any long runs in practice and the sprint doesn’t mean anything,” Alonso, 42, continued. “Especially because we can’t fight or anything like that. We receive penalties for everything we do.”

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

2025 Spanish Grand Prix 0 George Russell (image courtesy Mercedes)

Russell Suggests Verstappen’s Move In Spanish GP Clash Was ‘Deliberate’

In the aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix, George Russell ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Spain

Oscar Piastri Extends Championship Lead On A Perfect Weekend For McLaren

Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix to round off ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Emilia Romagna Qualifying

Russell Tells Boss Toto Wolff To Sign Verstappen

Mercedes' next driver lineup should be George Russell alongside Max ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Spain Final Practice

FIA Not Ruling Out ‘Dynamic’ Flexi-Wing Checks

The FIA is not ruling out 'dynamic tests' to clamp ...
Depositphotos 812969644 L

Flavio Briatore ‘Not Happy’ With Franco Colapinto

Flavio Briatore is not yet "happy" with Franco Colapinto's performance ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle