Drivers criticise sprint format: 'What I love most about F1 is taken away'

The new sprint race format can count on quite some enthusiasm, but not every part is equally popular. The second free practice session on Saturday has been criticised by many drivers, who feel it is useless.

Because qualifying for the sprint race already takes place on Friday, no more adjustments can be made to the cars after that session. In the second free practice session on Saturday, there is therefore little point in trying out different set-ups.

Kubica no fan of Parc Fermé rules for sprint race

Robert Kubica, who replaced Kimi Raikkonen in the last two races, is not happy about the shortened practice time. In Zandvoort, he could only do one practice session because he was deployed on Saturday, and in Monza, there was less practice time because of the sprint qualifying.

"Formula 1 is about getting the most out of the package and working on small details," the Polish driver said in a conversation with Formel1.de. "But if you introduce a format where the car is already frozen after one hour while it still needs to be driven for two days, you take away what I like most about the sport."