P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc has given a proposed future change to F1 his support, as debate mounts over the future direction of the sport.
Charles Leclerc has expressed his support for a proposed future change in Formula 1, amidst increasing debate about the sport’s direction. The year 2026 will bring about substantial technical regulations aiming for greater electrification in F1 history. Controversy over reintroducing traditional combustion engines has emerged, challenging the new rulebook. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been a strong advocate for the return of such engines. Discussions about reintroducing V10 and V8 engines, potentially with a KERS system and sustainable fuels, have taken place but faced setbacks. Leclerc, who has only raced in the V6 hybrid era, has endorsed a return to V8 or V10 engines due to missing the engine noise and the emotional impact it had on him as a spectator in Monaco. Leclerc’s support for the Sprint Race format to continue as is amid talks of introducing reverse grids reflects his belief in maintaining the current F1 structure. CEO Stefano Domenicali has raised the possibility of increasing Sprint Races and incorporating reverse grids, but Leclerc thinks the current balance is suitable and does not see the need for significant changes in F1’s DNA.
