Ex-F1 driver claims Fernando Alonso happy with controversial sprint format for 2024

Surprisingly though, the former F1 driver, Pedro De La Rosa has shared some very interesting information regarding two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso‘s thoughts on the format. According to the Aston Martin ambassador, the Spaniard is supportive of the format and would remove even the single practice session to test teams and drivers to the max.

Fernando, actually what he would like, is to go directly into qualifying. He sometimes mentions it, he doesn’t need to warm up. He doesn’t need another set of tyres to go faster. It’s just ‘bang’, the first lap, that’s it and that’s the fastest he will be all weekend. He doesn’t need to get up to speed.

Pedro De La Rosa during an interview with Racingnews365

De La Rosa added how the 42-year-old is always ready, and doesn’t need any practice sessions to get up to speed and be competitive. Such talk from Alonso showcases his confidence in himself despite being the oldest driver on the grid.

Pedro De La Rosa shares his views on the new Sprint format

The new sprint race format will showcase which drivers are of the highest level as they will have to get things right in the one hour of practice. Moreover, F1 hasn’t raced in Shanghai since 2019 so that just makes it more ambiguous as teams have no prior data on how the current-gen cars will react to the track.

This mysterious nature of the Sprint week in China has led Pedro De La Rosa to share his thoughts on the format. According to the Spaniard, the format is good and challenging as it will truly highlight who the top drivers and teams are.

It’s good, it’s good for the drivers to adapt, To make sure they don’t have too much time to change the car set-ups, to learn the tricks of the track.he sprint format always helps the best drivers to shine even more.

Pedro De La Rosa during the same interview

The Ex-F1 driver seemed to be excited to see who would come out on top this weekend. Several eyes will be on the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, to see whether he will be able to put in a brilliant performance at the Shanghai International racing circuit.