Sergio Pérez claims changes to the sprint race will make competition closer ©Getty Images

Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez has argued that changes to the sprint format will make the Formula One World Championship tighter prior to the first of six such races this season in Baku.

The Baku City Circuit is hosting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth race of the 2023 season, and the first of six to feature the sprint this year.

A total of eight points are available to the winner that will contribute to both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.

Points, decreasing by one per place, are then on offer for the next seven finishers.

"I think it brings things closer because you don't have that much preparation where it would be easier to exploit your car's potential," said Mexican Pérez.

"I think having the first practice session and things are not solid already you won't be able to maximise the capacity of your car so I certainly think it brings everyone closer."

In previous seasons, the initial qualifying session has set the grid for the sprint which then does the same for the Grand Prix.

In favour of the classic race weekend format Lando Norris, right, does not want many more sprint races added to the calendar ©Getty Images
In favour of the classic race weekend format Lando Norris, right, does not want many more sprint races added to the calendar ©Getty Images

The F1 Commission approved a change on Tuesday (April 25) that makes the sprint independent.

Starting in Baku, the qualifier will count towards the main race and the sprint will have the sprint shootout to set the grid.

Most have stated their support for the format but British driver Lando Norris is keen for the traditional race weekend, without the sprint, to still remain for the majority of events.

"I think the revised structure for it, I prefer," said the McLaren racer, as sprint races have doubled since last season.

"I don't want to have a sprint race every single weekend.

"I think it is still important to have what we've had for many years, I think that's what makes Formula One exciting and cool.

"I love just having the Saturday qualifying and the Sunday race but I think every now and then having these sprint races is good for the fans and good for the people watching.

"I think its exciting to change things every now and then for us but having it on its own is a good thing."

Both Christian Horner, left, and Max Verstappen, right, have criticised the sprint format while their colleague Sergio Pérez has shown his support ©Getty Images
Both Christian Horner, left, and Max Verstappen, right, have criticised the sprint format while their colleague Sergio Pérez has shown his support ©Getty Images

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also described a sprint race in Baku as a "ludicrous" decision.

However, many claim his criticism merely stems from the team being in the Constructors' Championship lead and fear of losing top spot.

Pérez's team-mate and defending champion Max Verstappen initially castigated the decision to introduce sprint races and suggested he would quit the sport if many more alterations were made. 

"Even if you change the format, I don't find that is in the DNA of Formula One to do these kind of sprint races," said the Dutchman.

"I hope there won’t be too many changes, otherwise, I won't be around for too long.

"I am not a fan of it at all."

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is due to take place this Sunday (April 30) in the capital city following the qualifying session and sprint race on Friday (April 28) and Saturday (April 29), respectively.