Formula 1 weekend format: Proposed plans, drivers' opinions and fans reactions

The controversial modifications in the weekend format has caused a stir in the entire F1 community.

Formula 1 has for a long time, followed a stipulated three-day race weekend format, that saw the practice sessions take place on the first day, followed by the Qualifying session on the second day, and the main race on Sunday. Whilst this was the traditional format of F1 race weekends, very recently, the CEO of the Formula 1 group Stefano Domenicali came up with the idea of a new Formula 1 weekend format, that would see major revamps take place in the way a Formula 1 weekend would unfold.

Domenicali’s new plans for the proposed F1 weekend would involve just one practice session. There would then be two qualifying sessions, a sprint and a Grand Prix. This new plan would bring down the number of practice sessions from three to one, as in his eyes the practice is something the public "doesn't like".

"Of course, there needs to be the time for practice, but the people are coming to see performance and the more that you give the teams and drivers the chance to see who they are, the better it is for the show," Domenicali told Sky Sports in an interview.

So taking all of these proposed ideas and hypothesis into consideration, and for once being convinced of their successful implementation in the Formula 1 weekend, this will be the new format that would be followed.

Proposed Formula 1 weekend format

Friday

AM - Practice

PM - Qualifying for Sunday's race

Saturday

AM - One-lap qualifying for sprint race

PM - Sprint

Sunday

Grand Prix

Opinions of drivers

Following the breakout of this plan for a new weekend format, various drivers have put forward their views on the proposed idea. Whilst some of the drivers have embraced the idea of constant evolution in every field, others have shared their fair bit of discontent, and have made their case against a new Formula 1 weekend format. Here are some of the biggest names who have spoken regarding this idea.

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen made some really bold statements regarding the proposed new weekend format and hinted that he "won't be around for too long" if too many such changes take place.

"Even if you change the format, I don't find that is in the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kinds of sprint races, I hope there won't be too many changes, otherwise I won't be around for too long," he said.

"I am not a fan of it at all. When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races. But it is not the right way to go about it. I understand that they want to have every day exciting, but then I think it's better to just reduce the weekend - only race the Saturday and Sunday. And if you start adding even more stuff, it's not worth it for me. I'm not enjoying that," the reigning world champion added.

George Russell

British driver George Russell spoke in favour of Domenicali’s ideas, and said "I don't think it's right that Formula 1 has three times the amount of practice that you have in F3 and F2."

He also made it clear that he didn’t want the practice sessions to go away permanently, as it allowed the various teams to try new and different things with their vehicle, and would be important for the name F1 has for its cutting-edge technology.

"No practice would be too little, this is still the pinnacle of the sport and you don't want to be just left with the car that you created at the start of the year with no opportunity to try out new things. Whereas if you're going straight into a session that is points-worthy or there is a reward, you're less likely to trial new things [on the car]." He said

Lewis Hamilton

Veteran driver Lewis Hamilton also presented a very logical and straight-forward opinion on the new proposed Formula 1 weekend format, and said it was "cool" that F1 were experimenting with the weekend format, whilst also giving suggestions for some considerations.

"There's definitely places where it's not going to be good, but I think we can be more dynamic and look at places like Monaco - perhaps there is a different solution to make it more engaging for fans.”

"We can use sprint races in some places, perhaps there's something else we can do?”

"I like the format from the sprint weekend where you have that one practice session - there's a lot of pressure just to get that right and then you're straight into qualifying.”

Nyck de Vries

Rookie F1 driver Nyck de Vries gave his perspective on the situation, and said “I think in all junior series we've been used to actually only doing one free practice session so I think we could do with less."

What fans think?

Recently, Sky Sports asked fans on Twitter whether three practice sessions in Formula 1 was too much, and the answer was 'no' - but only just.

56.2 per cent of voters were satisfied with the current format, meaning almost half of the fans who voted felt there are too many practice sessions currently.

These close figures when it comes to this argument are something that Domenicali should consider, as at the end of the day it is the fans who are to be pleased.

What’s next?

Just a few days ago at the start of April, news broke out that F1 teams agree on changes to the sprint race format for Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which means that these formats which we have just discussed will be implemented for the very first time later this month, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

This race, which will take place with this new format, will give the drivers and the fans, and also Domenicali a lot of perspective on this huge idea of a revamp, and can prove to be a revolutionizing moment in F1 racing.