Fernando Alonso puzzled why F1 is always 'pursuing improvements that are not needed'

Lewis Hamilton makes a bad start in sprint race at Monza — Photo: © LAT Images

Italian Grand Prix

Alonso puzzled why F1 is always 'pursuing improvements that are not needed'

Sprint was trialled for the second time at Monza

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Saturday 18 September 2021 15:33

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Fernando Alonso believes F1's 'sprint' trail demonstrates the sport is seeking an improvement that is "not needed".

The second experimental weekend was recently completed at Monza with a more divisive opinion shared throughout the paddock and grandstands than at Silverstone.

Sergio Perez, in particular, stated the 18-lap event was "very boring" and "did nothing for F1".

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Alonso has been a part of the paddock since 2001 and has taken part in various iterations of qualifying formats across the years, but suggested there is a search for change that is needless.

"First of all, I think F1 is always pursuing an improvement that is not needed in a way," he explained.

"I don't see any other sport so worried about making improvements to the show. I see football, which normally is the king of sports and there are so many games that are so boring.

"The following week, there is not any drama, there is not any change and there is no suggestion how to change the game, to make the goal bigger, to make you play without goalkeepers to improve the show, there are no dramas.

"Formula 1 should be happy and proud as a show because it is a very big thing."

Qualifying still key to sprint

During sprint weekends, qualifying is moved to Friday evening to facilitate the 100km 'race' which is meant to mix the grid around for the grand prix.

Alonso pointed out that car performance generally means the positions locked in on a Friday will tend to be stable throughout the weekend.

"Because we want to improve, my feeling is Friday is what is dictating the rest of the weekend because the qualifying is made by the car performance, not by the driver input," he added.

"When you have only one set of tyres or one attempt, okay the car is the most important thing but the driver has to deliver on that minute and a half.

"When you have one hour and six sets of tyres, you make one or two mistakes but then you put another set of tyres, you make another mistake - okay, you put on another set of tyres and at the end you finish in the position you deserve.

"That would be my opinion with experience. To really add some difficulty on the Friday, maybe have one attempt, not six.