Formula 1 has not devalued one of its most famous and historic races by awarding fewer points than in other laps of the championship, according to home driver Charles Leclerc.
The Monaco Grand Prix was part of the original World Championship calendar and is hosting its 67th points race in F1’s 72nd season this year.
As with most races on this year’s program, a maximum of 26 points will be awarded. However, the introduction of sprint qualifying at three other events in the UK, Italy and one other venue – widely known as Brazil – means these laps will instead award 29 points.
However, Leclerc is satisfied that this change has not affected the prestige of the race and believes the format would not be suitable for this round of the World Championship.
“I don’t think it will devalue the Monaco race,” he said, “and I think it was the right choice to try the other three races mentioned, namely Silverstone, Monza and Brazil.”
“I don’t think Monaco is the right place to try this format to see how good it is,” he added.
Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz Jnr agreed.
“I think the Monaco Grand Prix is always respected and everyone will want to win it,” he said. “I don’t think that the value of the Monaco Grand Prix will be devalued by a sprint race at Silverstone, Monza or wherever.
“I think for the good of the sport we have to make sure that we develop as a sport and try different things to make the sport more attractive to the younger generation and the fans. And then if we make a mistake and the former doesn’t work, we can always revert to the original format that we know will work.
“I don’t think that the other races will devalue Monaco because there are 28 points to be won or 29 in the case of the fastest lap against the 25 of Monaco. I disagree and I don’t think it should affect that. “
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2021 Monaco Grand Prix
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