New race weekend appreciated: 'Now Friday's about something'

In 2021 a sprint race format will be tested on Saturday and a qualifying session for that sprint race on Friday. Charles Leclerc is happy that Friday is now about something, but was not happy with the sprint race at Monza.

This Formula 1 season a new race weekend format is being tested. Where normally three practice sessions are organised before qualifying on Saturday afternoon for the race on Sunday, in the new format there is already a qualifying session on Friday. This determines the grid for the sprint race on Saturday, and the result of this is the starting grid for the main race on Sunday.

''What I like about the new format is the added value of Friday. The previous format with two free practices is a bit lame. There's nothing to win and nothing to lose. Free practice and then straight on to qualifying is something completely different - now every lap counts in free practice to prepare for qualifying. This is more interesting for us drivers and also for the fans,'' the Monegasque said according to Speedweek.com.

''On the other hand, I found the sprint race at Monza very disappointing. The short race at Silverstone was good, but Monza was not very nice, that has to change. There are many ideas circulating, but we all agree on one point - it's good to try something new'', concludes the Ferrari driver.