Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, maintains a strict position against driver complaints concerning the increasingly demanding F1 schedule.
Max Verstappen has voiced concerns about the additional "stress" the sprint weekend format places on the team mechanics, a sentiment Lando Norris supports, noting, "It's not healthy for them."
"It's not sustainable," Norris, the McLaren driver, further expressed.
Amid these new issues, drivers are already contending with an already packed racing calendar, having had 24 races last year, with the same number scheduled for both 2024 and 2025.
"I talk to them," Domenicali mentioned to Italy's Autosprint, "and if you don't want to drive in Formula 1, you are not obliged to do so."
"It's a question of respect for the fans. They want to see them race and it's a responsibility that we have towards all our fans, our partners, promoters, sponsors, broadcasters, everyone."
"We need heroes who enjoy what they do, but I'm sure they're having fun," Domenicali added.
Dr. Helmut Marko of Red Bull recognizes the mixed sentiments about the sprint format, although he supports the added excitement it brings to events such as the Red Bull-promoted Austrian GP.
"It is simply a bonus for the spectators and therefore for the organiser that the fans are offered qualifying on Friday and a race on Saturday," he stated to Speed Week.
"On the sporting side, I'm more of a fan of the traditional process. So as an organiser yes. As a racing fan? No."
Verstappen also expressed opposition to proposals that could see the number of sprint events double from six to twelve annually.
"Why not?" Domenicali countered when queried about the potential for more sprint races.
"They are great, because that way there is excitement every day. We have a duty to ensure that there is action on the track every day. Out of respect for the fans who come here," said the F1 CEO.
Lastly, Marko commented on the proposal to expand point-paying positions to P12 from 2025, which is set for discussion at the F1 Commission today.
"It's because a two-class society has developed," he observed. "If the drivers of the best five teams have no technical problems and Mr. (Lance) Stroll has a normal day, the other five racing teams get no points."
"The cost cap has brought the field closer together, which leads to extremely exciting multi-way battles in the midfield. This should be rewarded in some way," Marko concluded.
