Brawn: Italian GP shocker proves reverse grids 'worth considering'

Ross Brawn says the surprising outcome of the Italian Grand Prix proves that reverse grids are worth considering in the future.

An all-Mercedes front row and a low-key performance from Red Bull in qualifying was supposed to pave the way for easy walk in Monza's park for the mighty Mercedes squad.

Instead, a pit stop blunder by the Brackley squad during a safety car period and Valtteri Bottas' inability to race at the front opened up proceedings to an exciting and refreshing outcome that saw AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly storm to a maiden win, just edging McLaren's Carlos Sainz.

For Brawn, the unexpected result pleads in favour of experimenting with reverse grids in the future, although the idea of using a gimmick to generate chaotic races or random results will inevitably make many F1 fans cringe.

"Monza was a candidate for a reverse grid sprint race when we were considering testing the format this year," wrote Brawn in his usual post-race debrief.

"Unfortunately, we could not move forward with it, but the concept is still something we and the FIA want to work through in the coming months and discuss with the teams for next year.

"We believe that yesterday’s race showed the excitement a mixed-up pack can deliver and with next year’s cars remaining the same as this year - our fans could be treated to the similar drama we saw this weekend at Monza.

"Of course, with a reverse grid sprint race, teams will set their cars up differently.

"Right now, Mercedes set their cars up to achieve the fastest lap and then to control the race from the front.

"If they know they have to overtake, they will have to change that approach. We will continue to evaluate new formats with the aim of improving the show but always maintaining the DNA of Formula 1."

• F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2020 Italian GP

Assessing Gasly's feel good win at Monza that delivered a much-needed breath of fresh air to F1, Brawn underscored the Frenchman's talent but also the strong character he has shown in the past 12 months.

"Pierre has come a long way since being demoted by Red Bull back to Toro Rosso, which have since become AlphaTauri, and his maiden victory is a reward for his resilience," said F1's director of motorsport.

"He’s a tough character. To have that setback in his career and rebound the way he has is extraordinary. He took stock, thought about what he needed to do to improve and then worked out how to do just that.

"He didn’t put a foot wrong on Sunday, not even when Carlos started to close him down. Watching his car, he drove it perfectly.

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