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Why F1 shouldn't wed itself to tradition over sprint race decision

Formula 1's inherent fear of changes to tradition is a trait that runs deep. But as 2020 demonstrated, new ideas can be inspirational. Ahead of key talks for F1's near future, series bosses are asking if sprint races can help it to adapt and thrive

Formula 1 is a championship that is both strengthened and shackled by tradition.

Its current success owes a lot to its glorious past, with a direct line that can be traced back from the contemporary car and drivers to those initial first steps as a world championship back in 1950. Teams like Ferrari, and races like the Monaco Grand Prix, are so big now because of their history. Their past success make what happens right now even more important.

Yet equally, F1's past can weigh heavy at times.

It has sometimes been said that tradition is just peer pressure from dead people. And it's true that, when F1's bosses have previously tried to shake things up, the argument that it does not fit the championship's DNA often becomes a first point of resistance.

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