F1 News: Charles Leclerc Comments On 2024 Sprint Format After Major Change

Charles Leclerc analyses the 2024 sprint race changes.

In a recent discussion with Sports Illustrated's Alex Harrington, Charles Leclerc shared his views on the revamped sprint race weekend format for the 2024 F1 season.

Key Takeaways:

• Leclerc expresses his appreciation for the new format, highlighting its competitive nature right from the start of the weekend.
• The 2024 changes allow for car adjustments post-sprint race, which Leclerc sees as a significant improvement.
• The revised schedule includes Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying on Friday, the Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, with the Grand Prix concluding the weekend on Sunday.

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Charles Leclerc has given his verdict on the Formula 1 sprint race weekend's alteration slated for 2024. During an interview with Sports Illustrated's Alex Harrington, Leclerc delved into the details of the format overhaul and its implications for drivers and teams.

Leclerc's enthusiasm for the revamped format is palpable. He notes: 

"It's something that I like as a driver because, now in Formula One, we've got FP1, FP2, FP3, where you haven't got anything really to play or challenge for apart from learning about your car, which is always nice.

"But competition is what I love most. So to have a very important session straight away on a Friday, it's something I like, and I think the changes will make it better as well, just because we've got now the chance to change the car after the sprint race, which is a good thing.

"Because I feel like sometimes when you are getting it wrong, or if you had a bad one then you had no way to recover, which now, it will be a bit better."

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The updated sprint race format aims to infuse more excitement and competitiveness into the race weekend from day one whilst avoiding parc ferme difficulties. The introduction of car adjustments after the sprint race is a welcome change, providing teams with the flexibility to rectify any missteps or unforeseen challenges encountered during the sprint race.

The weekend will kick off with Free Practice 1 followed by Sprint Qualifying on Friday. Saturday will see the drivers compete in the Sprint Race ahead of the Grand Prix Qualifying later in the day. The main event of the weekend remains the Grand Prix on Sunday.

The first sprint race of the season will be during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend on 19-21 April.

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