P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 drivers now have dramatically less time to practice and test compared to years gone by, and one competitor believes it’s a factor that needs addressing.
Nico Hulkenberg has expressed the need for Formula 1 to devise solutions to increase track time for drivers due to the decline in testing and practice opportunities. In recent years, in-season testing has been eliminated, leaving only pre-season and post-season test sessions. Sprint weekends offer drivers just 60 minutes of practice before the competitive sessions commence. Full-time drivers must also give their cars to rookie drivers at two events per season. Although Hulkenberg supports the idea of sprint races, he is worried about the limited time drivers have to test the cars and believes a balance needs to be struck between entertainment and performance to allow teams and drivers to reach their full potential. Hulkenberg also pointed out the significant reduction in overall testing and practice time in F1 compared to earlier times and suggested the need to reassess or adjust the current format to provide more track time for drivers.
