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Bad weather prevented the Eifel Grand Prix Friday’s free practice sessions from taking place. Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Toto Wolff are all in favour of shorter race weekends.
Formula 1 already planned to test run a two-day race weekend at Imola, with the aim of doing it more often in the future. However, after bad weather at the Nurburgring forced the FIA to cancel the Eifel Grand Prix Friday’s free practice sessions, the test came sooner than expected.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says he likes the idea of a two-day weekend.
“Personally I like it,” the Austrian told Auto Motor und Sport.
“It’s not the strongest who wins, but the one who can adapt best. So it’s the most innovative team and the driver who can adapt to the track and tyres the quickest.
“So, from a sporting point of view, such a suggestion gets my vote.“
At the post Eifel Grand Prix qualifying press conference Valtteri Bottas also gave his support to the idea of a two day weekend.
“I think currently, in the normal weekend, I feel like there’s too much practice,” said the Finn.
“Everyone finds their ways and set-ups and the optimal things in terms of driving and the car set-up – but if there would be a bit less practice, maybe some teams can get it right, some drivers can get it right, and some don’t.
“I kind of like it with a bit less practice,” concluded Bottas.
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And finally, Lewis Hamilton is also in favour of the idea. He was asked if lack of running on Friday compromised the car set-up for qualifying.
“Well, I don’t think we need to be here on Fridays so it was totally fine for me,” said the Briton.
The six-time champion later commented that a two-day weekend would also be better for the environment.
“It means that 22 days a year, 20 less cars will tear around the track and pollute the air.
“I can do without Fridays,” concluded Hamilton.
