George Russell wants to see F1 adopt set-up changes after FP1

George Russell wants the Formula 1 sprint regulations adjusted to grant teams the opportunity to modify their cars after FP1.

Presently, cars are subjected to parc ferme conditions following the initial Friday session.

As a result, they are constrained to maintain the same setup for both qualifying sessions, the sprint, and the main event, unless adjustments are made that necessitate the driver to commence the race from the pitlane.

During the Spa race, Russell and his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton embarked on the weekend with different downforce levels.

Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions adversely affected Friday's practice runs, compelling them to persist with their initial choices throughout the weekend.

In a typical Grand Prix weekend, these choices would likely have converged, but the weather-induced limitations prevented this convergence from occurring.

"It can be really challenging," said Russell of the current format.

"I still don't love the fact that you're not allowed to change the set-up of the car from after FP1.

"I think it creates an unknown for the sport, which can be exciting.

"But it's like giving a tennis player his racquet an hour before the final at Wimbledon and just saying this is what you've got, suck it up and get on with it. And with no prior practice, training.

"That's not really how other sports operate. I understand why we do it. But it would be nice to make some changes at a certain point of the weekend."