Why F1 sprint qualifying won't devalue the Monaco Grand Prix

Ferrari

Why F1 sprint qualifying won't devalue the Monaco Grand Prix

Sainz and Leclerc insist Monaco will remain just as special

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Saturday 22 May 2021 14:25

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Carlos Sainz has insisted future Monaco Grands Prix will not be devalued by sprint qualifying events being awarded more points across the weekend.

Monaco is seen as the jewel in F1's crown, symbolised by its opulence as the cars fly by and with the podium situated in the royal box.

With F1 trialling a new sprint race qualifying format at three races this year, with the first at Silverstone, and with three points on offer to the Saturday victor, there are growing concerns the format could devalue historically important races, including Monaco.

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"For me, most importantly, the Monaco Grand Prix is always going to be respected and everyone is going to want to win it," said Sainz.

"But I don't think the value of the Monaco Grand Prix will be devalued by making a sprint race in Silverstone, Monza or wherever it is happening.

"Why? Because I think for the benefit of the sport we need to make sure we keep evolving as a sport and keep trying different things to make the sport more attractive to the younger generations and to the fans.

"Then if we make a mistake and the format doesn't work, we can always come back to the original format which we know works.

"I don't think the other races are going to devalue Monaco because they have 28 points to win or 29 in case of fastest lap versus the 25 of Monaco. I don't agree and I don't think it should affect it."

Leclerc confident Monaco will retain its value

Home hero Charles Leclerc suggested it could not be devalued as there was no sense in hosting a trial at the circuit with the tight, twisting nature an obstacle to overtaking.

"I agree with Carlos, I think we need to be objective enough once we have tried the sprint qualifying format," Leclerc added.

"Overall, I don't think Monaco is the place to try that format to see how good it is so yeah, I don't think it will devalue the race of Monaco and I think it is the right decision to try it on the three other races."