MELBOURNE GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-23 during the Australian GP at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on Friday March 31, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Zak Mauger / LAT Images)
Kevin Magnussen believes drivers will be able to take additional risk in Formula 1 Sprint races this year after Saturday’s sessions were split from impacting the race.
Since the format was introduced in 2021 the outcome of Saturday’s mini-race has determined the starting order for Sunday’s grand prix.
That will change from this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and for the remaining five Sprint events of 2023, which will take place in Austria, Belgium, Qatar, the United States (Austin) and São Paulo.
Separate qualifying sessions will now determine the respective Sprint and grand prix grids.
Friday’s regular qualifying session will set the grid for Sunday’s race while Saturday’s condensed Sprint Shootout will sort the order for the same day’s Sprint race.
“I think it’s good that we get two qualifying sessions because it means that you can go for it a little more in the Sprint,” said Haas racer Magnussen.
“There’s not the extra penalty of having to start at the back for the race on Sunday if you don’t finish, even though of course you want to.
“There’s a little more reward in the risk versus reward ratio for taking risks and that’s good for the show, good for us drivers and it’s more fun.”
Magnussen scored points in each of last year’s trio of Sprint races, taking eighth in Emilia Romagna and São Paulo – from a shock maiden pole position – and seventh in Austria.
“I don’t think there’s any particular reason we scored points every time but of course I’m hoping we can keep that streak going, that’s the aim,” said Magnussen.
“I think we have good pace in the car at the moment and hopefully we can capitalise on that in both the Sprint and the race.”
Keyword: Magnussen reckons ‘more risk’ now possible in Sprint