Author: Barkha Roy
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has strongly criticized Formula 1’s decision to hold its first speed race at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Horner said he was“disappointed” with the decision to hold the speed race in Baku, as it was not one of the circuits where he had hoped to see the new format introduced.
“We’re disappointed that it’s in Baku,” he said. “It’s a unique circuit. It’s high-speed and very difficult to overtake.”
The sprint race format, which will see a shorter race held on Saturday (of a Grand Prix weekend) to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s main race, was introduced by Formula 1 this year as a way of spicing up the race and adding extra excitement for fans.
However, Horner believes that the format is unlikely to have the desired effect in Baku, where the narrow track and lack of overtaking opportunities could result in a processional race.
“I think it’s a shame that it’s in Baku,” he said. “I think it’s a missed opportunity, because we have great tracks where it could really work.”
Horner’s comments come amid growing concern from some within the sport that the sprint race format could backfire and ultimately be detrimental to racing. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen recently expressed his own doubts about the new format, saying that he was “not a big fan” and that he was worried about the lack of overtaking opportunities.
Despite these concerns, Formula 1 has remained committed to the speed race format and is set to test it at three races this season – at Silverstone in July, Monza in September and Baku in June.
In a statement released in response to Horner’s comments, Formula One said it believes the speed race format has the potential to be a success at all the circuits where it is being tested, including Baku.
“We are confident that the speed race format will add a new dimension to racing and provide an additional level of excitement for fans,” the statement said.
The decision to hold the speed race in Baku was also defended by circuit officials, who pointed to the success of previous races on the track as proof that the format can work. “Baku has a reputation for producing exciting and unpredictable races, and we believe the speedway format will only add to that,” said a spokesman for Baku City Circuit.
Regardless of the outcome of the speed race in Baku, it seems that Formula 1 is keen to experiment with new formats in a bid to keep the sport fresh and engaging for fans. It remains to be seen whether this latest innovation will be a success or a failure.