Charles Leclerc backs V8 engines, but F1 format should 'stay where it is'

Charles Leclerc feels Formula 1 has found its right number of sprint races but is against adding reverse-grid elements, while he has thrown his support behind the V8 push.

F1 introduced sprint races in 2021 to increase the spectacle on offer over a grand prix weekend and provide a more compelling product to TV viewers and spectators at the track.

F1 recently confirmed the venues for 2026's six sprint races, including a sprint return in Silverstone and the first-ever Saturday races in Zandvoort and Singapore, while the series is also holding talks with all its stakeholders on potentially increasing the number of sprints for 2027 and beyond.

In a recent roundtable with Motorsport.com and other media, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali floated the idea of reverse-grid races and other ways to shake the series as it attracts a younger and more diverse demographic.

While an increase in the number of sprints races is likely to happen in the near future, Ferrari racer Charles Leclerc says he isn't too keen on the idea. And even though he doesn't feel reverse grids fit within F1's DNA, he concedes the idea could at least be trialled on a sprint weekend.

"My personal opinion is that I think the amount of sprint races we have at the moment is good enough and I wouldn't want to go more than that," Leclerc said at last weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "The reverse grid... I don't know, not on a normal weekend at least.

"On a sprint weekend, why not consider for the sprint race but it's really not something that I see should be part of Formula 1's DNA. I think the way Formula 1 is at the moment is where I think it should stay and I don't think we've got to reinvent anything."

Spa-Francorchamps was among the six venues hosting a sprint race in 2025

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Leclerc does miss his childhood's V8 engines

Discussions have also taken place on future power units, with F1's manufacturers, commercial rightsholder FOM and governing body the FIA all largely aligned on a move towards cheaper and simpler V8-based engines in the future. A move to fast-track their introduction before the current 2031 timeframe has failed, however, due to a lack of support.

But having grown up with the V10 and especially V8 eras as a child, Leclerc would be keen on F1 reverting to louder engines. "This I would love to have back, much more noise would be really appreciated," he added.

"I would definitely prefer to go back to normal V8 or V10 engines and especially the noise, that's what I'm missing the most about the sport, that's what made me fall in love with the sport.

"I'm obviously from Monaco and I remember when the F1 cars were driving around Monaco back then, it gave me chills and now I don't think you have that feeling anymore, which is a shame."