Inaugural Sprint Shootout a massive success as Charles Leclerc makes history

Formula 1's inaugural Sprint Shootout was a monumental success! Though there may have been some trepidation over the format's implementation, there is no doubt that the sprint qualifying has done its intended job.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who secured pole position for Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Friday's qualifying, also managed to become the first driver to win the first-ever Sprint Shootout, and will start this afternoon's Sprint Race from the front, followed by Red Bull Racing's Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.

With the final part of the Sprint Shootout coming around, the ten remaining drivers took to the track, and Leclerc set the early benchmark time to secure provisionally secure the position. He crashed into the wall on his second attempt, but it didn't hinder anyone else's attempt, except for teammate Carlos Sainz's.

SPRINT SHOOTOUT CLASSIFICATION Charles Leclerc takes the top spot with the Bulls rounding up the Top 3! #AzerbaijanGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/BfN3mVVwZY

Still, Sainz was off the pace and not in a position to challenge the blistering Monegasque.

"We will go for it," Leclerc said when asked about the Sprint Race.

"But we need also to be realistic, and until now, we have been on the backfoot in the race, especially (since) the Red Bulls seem to be a step ahead. Let's see how it is.

"Hopefully we have a good surprise."

Charles Leclerc is in the barriers!!!! He won't get to do a final run, but still holds onto provisional pole! ??#AzerbaijanGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/rOnE8rwf3a

What's next for Sprint Saturdays?

Under the ownership of Liberty Media, F1 is always looking at ways to improve the show. The Sprint Race's introduction in 2021 was another attempt at doing show, but the format went unchanged