F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali @RacePictures

Leclerc opposes F1 CEO: 'Not a part of F1 DNA'

20:25, 26 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Charles Leclerc has weighed in on Formula 1’s ongoing debates around sprint weekends, reverse grids, and the possible return of louder engines.

Charles Leclerc has issued a warning to Leiws Hamilton. Photo by RacePictures.

It's really not something that I see should be part of Formula 1's DNA

- Charles Leclerc on reversed grids

While the Ferrari driver would welcome a revival of V8s, he insists the sport’s format doesn’t need reinventing.

Sprint races have been part of F1 since 2021, designed to add more spectacle and create value for fans both at the circuit and watching on TV.

The calendar currently features six sprints, with new additions in Zandvoort and Singapore for 2026, and discussions are already underway about increasing that number beyond 2027.

But for Leclerc, the balance is already right. “My personal opinion is that I think the amount of sprint races we have at the moment is good enough and I wouldn't want to go more than that,” he said at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Monegasque was also cautious on the idea of reverse grids, a concept F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested as a way to shake up racing.

“The reverse grid… I don't know, not on a normal weekend at least. On a sprint weekend, why not consider for the sprint race but it's really not something that I see should be part of Formula 1's DNA.

"I think the way Formula 1 is at the moment is where I think it should stay and I don't think we've got to reinvent anything.”

Where Leclerc would like change, however, is under the engine cover. Growing up in the V10 and V8 eras, he admitted he misses the sound that once defined the sport.

“This I would love to have back, much more noise would be really appreciated. I would definitely prefer to go back to normal V8 or V10 engines…

"I remember when the F1 cars were driving around Monaco back then, it gave me chills and now I don't think you have that feeling anymore, which is a shame.”

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