Charles Leclerc feels Components 1 has discovered its proper variety of dash races however is in opposition to including reverse-grid parts, whereas he has thrown his assist behind the V8 push.
F1 launched dash races in 2021 to extend the spectacle on supply over a grand prix weekend and supply a extra compelling product to TV viewers and spectators on the observe.
F1 recently confirmed the venues for 2026’s six sprint races, together with a dash return in Silverstone and the first-ever Saturday races in Zandvoort and Singapore, whereas the sequence can also be holding talks with all its stakeholders on probably increasing the number of sprints for 2027 and past.
In a latest roundtable with Autosport and different media, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali floated the idea of reverse-grid races and different methods to shake the sequence because it attracts a youthful and extra numerous demographic.
Whereas a rise within the variety of sprints races is prone to occur within the close to future, Ferrari‘s Leclerc is not too eager on the concept. And although he does not really feel reverse grids match inside F1’s DNA, he concedes the concept may not less than be trialled on a dash weekend.
“My private opinion is that I feel the quantity of dash races we’ve got in the intervening time is sweet sufficient and I would not need to go greater than that,” Leclerc stated ultimately weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “The reverse grid… I do not know, not on a standard weekend not less than.
“On a dash weekend, why not take into account for the dash race nevertheless it’s actually not one thing that I see needs to be a part of Components 1’s DNA. I feel the best way Components 1 is in the intervening time is the place I feel it ought to keep and I do not assume we have to reinvent something.”
Spa-Francorchamps was among the many six venues internet hosting a dash race in 2025
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photographs through Getty Photographs
Leclerc does miss his childhood’s V8 engines
Discussions have additionally taken place on future energy models, with F1’s producers, business rightsholder FOM and governing physique the FIA all largely aligned on a transfer in the direction of cheaper and less complicated V8-based engines sooner or later.
A transfer to fast-track their introduction earlier than the present 2031 timeframe has failed, nonetheless, on account of an absence of assist.
However having grown up with the V10 and particularly V8 eras as a toddler, Leclerc could be eager on F1 reverting to louder engines: “This I’d like to have again, way more noise could be actually appreciated.
“I’d undoubtedly choose to return to regular V8 or V10 engines and particularly the noise, that is what I am lacking probably the most concerning the sport, that is what made me fall in love with the game.
“I am clearly from Monaco and I bear in mind when the F1 vehicles have been driving round Monaco again then, it gave me chills and now I do not assume you have got that feeling anymore, which is a disgrace.”
