"I think what we have at the moment isn’t quite right for the drivers, the fans or the teams,” explained Horner. “I think there needs to be more to it.
“We have just won a sprint race, and nobody quite knows what to do because all the focus is already on the grand prix. It’s like you’ve won a long run and got a medal for it"
I don’t think the show or drama has much to do with this. The sprint format adds a third day with a significant session (quali on Friday) to the weekend. This should increase the event’s revenue and thus the amount FOM can ask from organizers to host a GP.
If new contracts are signed for more money then the sprint format is a success.