Overview

• Charles Leclerc said the current number of sprint events is sufficient and he would not add more.
• He views reverse grids as outside Formula 1’s DNA, though he allowed they could be trialled only for a sprint race.
• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has floated reverse-grid options as part of efforts to make Saturday action less predictable for younger audiences.
• For 2026, F1 has confirmed six sprint venues, including a return at Silverstone and first Saturday sprints at Zandvoort and Singapore.
• Leclerc also backed a future shift to louder V8 or V10-style engines, while manufacturers, FOM and the FIA are reported to be aligned on a simpler V8-based direction that remains targeted for 2031 after a failed fast-track.