Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has implored Formula 1 chiefs not to change the format of Grand Prix weekends, amid ongoing research into potential tweaks.
It was revealed last month that leading Formula 1 figures are conducting research into the timetable of a Grand Prix weekend, as part of potential changes enacted by owners Liberty Media.
Formula 1 weekends are currently composed of three practice sessions, a three-part knockout qualifying session and a single race of duration 305-310km (aside from a reduced length in Monaco).
Leading figures are gauging opinions as to whether this should be changed, with several ideas, such as the introduction of a Sprint Race, amended qualifying format, and the duration of practice, all raised for discussion.
Vettel, though, believes officials should stay clear of any alterations.
“The format is fine, it’s wrong to look at changing the format,” he said.
“It’s not my decision, but I wouldn’t be a fan. It has been like that for a long time for a reason, a 300km Grand Prix is a Grand Prix.
“If you make it half then maybe for some people a boring race is only half boring but, you know, that’s not the way I look at it.
“It’s a challenge, a Grand Prix distance, and it’s something: you do your first race and are surprised by how long the race can be.
“It’s a physical and mental challenge for that duration and if it becomes a Sprint Race I think it would be a different sport in a way.
“I wouldn’t mess with the format, we need to find other ways to get the excitement and get the grid together and whatever but not the format.”
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