Leclerc: Reverse F1 tracks like re-learning karting ways

Charles Leclerc would back the idea of running races around the opposite way at circuits where it is possible as he feels it would connect back to his skills learnt in karting.

With Formula 1 bosses assessing how to start the 2020 season amid the coronavirus crisis, one idea that’s been put forward is completing multiple races at the same track on the same weekend but to spice each race up they could use different layouts or even lap the track in the opposite direction.

While strict safety measures would be required to ensure any circuit is up to the standard using a new layout, Leclerc feels the option is worth supporting to provide additional interest for fans and challenge to the drivers having completed a similar process during his karting days.

“I’ve seen something about doing races the other way around, that would be very, very cool,” Leclerc told Reuters in a video press conference. “This could be an interesting idea.

“We would definitely have to re-learn the track completely from scratch. I’ve done this in karting, to do one track in one way and then do it the other way.”

“I think it would be very exciting to do a track like Silverstone the other way around, to arrive so quick in Becketts and then Maggotts would be very exciting.”

With F1 likely to face a shortened 2020 season due to the ongoing delays, Leclerc feels it will have a serious impact on how both drivers and teams approach each race.

The Ferrari driver is hopeful for a minimum of 12 races this year, while F1 bosses have previously targeted up to 19 races if the season can start in July, and Leclerc believes with fewer races it means more risks could be taken by the drivers.

“We might have some surprises and it might be actually quite exciting to watch,” he said. “Probably we will risk a bit more on track with risky strategies, risky overtakes and maybe it will pay or maybe not.”