Ricciardo no fan of 'messy' reverse-grid idea

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Daniel Ricciardo shared Mercedes' rebuff of Formula 1's plan to trial a reverse-grid qualifying race this summer, the Renault driver considering the concept as potentially "messy".

In a bid to spice up the spectacle on the track, Formula 1's chiefs tabled the idea of forming Sunday's grid on the basis of a reverse-grid sprint race run on Saturday afternoon in place of normal qualifying.

F1 managing director Ross Brawn suggested the concept could be trialed in the Austrian Grand Prix's second event.

Wolff clarifies reasons Mercedes rejected reverse-grid idea

But teams did not reach unanimity on the plan, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff clearly opposing the "gimmick" experiment. And Ricciardo shared the Austrian's negative view on the ploy.

"I’m not always old school, but I guess it’s not really the first on our priority list of things to change in the sport," Ricciardo said in an Instagram Q&A.

"I can see how some fans would be like ‘yeah, it would be great to have the fast guys trying to come through the field’ and all of that. I see that point of view.

"There are a lot of scenarios where it wouldn’t work, and it would make things a little messy.

"I can see why from a couch potato, as I am right now, it could be exciting.

"But I think from a purist and a real racing point of view, I don’t think we need to go there just yet. That’s the best way to say it."

F1 chief Ross Brawn admitted to being disappointed with Wolff's uncompromising stance.

"I understood and I respected it," said Brawn. "I wish that he would have taken a bigger view but he didn’t.

"Interestingly, for me, the people who’ve been the strongest in Austria the last couple of years – Red Bull – were the biggest supporters of the idea. They were prepared to do it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.