Verstappen, Hamilton and Leclerc question Singapore as a Sprint venue

After Singapore’s rain-affected 20-lap Sprint, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc questioned whether the Marina Bay Street Circuit suits the short-race format. Hamilton and Verstappen called for changes to improve overtaking; Leclerc argued that Sprints should not be held on city circuits.

The comments came after the Sprint and before qualifying later that day. Hamilton praised Singapore as a great track for a qualifying lap, but suggested a longer straight could create more chances to pass. He said that, if the Sprint had been dry, it probably would have been the most boring race to watch.

Verstappen also called the track great, but said Overtake Mode barely helped there. He proposed a longer straight or a more suitable hairpin, and said a greater speed differential on the straight was also needed.

Leclerc took a broader position: he said Sprint races do not make sense on city circuits generally. The format adds nothing at Singapore or Monaco, he said, and Sprints should instead be held at tracks where overtaking is easier and the racing can add more to the weekend.