Daniel Ricciardo's plan to revolutionise grand prix weekends

Daniel Ricciardo has proposed a change to Formula 1 grand prix weekends that he says would result in "less laps of nonsense". The Red Bull man is clearly no fan of his three practice sessions ahead of a race, saying he would abolish them in favour of two races per weekend.

The Red Bull driver's plan roughly aligns with one that Liberty Media are reportedly considering as part of their 2021 shake-up.

It has been reported that Liberty's plans include holding qualifying on Saturday, with the top eight reversed for a sprint race on the same day, with no limits on fuel use or engine limits, before Sunday's grand prix takes place with Saturday's original qualifying order.

The five sessions across a weekend currently give fans around seven hours of entertainment, but Ricciardo says not all of it is that meaningful.

"I'd prefer no practices and just Saturday, Sunday," Ricciardo said. "Just qualify Saturday morning, race Saturday afternoon and race again Sunday.

???? "I’ve always liked the circuit but the city is also really cool." @danielricciardo ahead of the #HungarianGP ???????????? https://t.co/HwDNDB6Nv2 #F1 pic.twitter.com/rkxulsaa6g — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 24, 2018

"Less laps of nonsense and more laps of meaningful business.

"I want it to be serious, it is not the F1 everyone is used to, so you have to be careful with two races.

"But I like racing, I don't like practice so much. So, if it just meant that we could race more through a year, and do less practice, then that sounds good to me."

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has recently suggested cutting the calendar to 15 races in order to increase the "value" of each race.

However, Ricciardo spots a hole in that plan.

"It depends if those other weekends are holidays or marketing days," he said. "If it is marketing days, then I prefer 23 races. If it is holidays then I prefer 16 races."