Wolff: F1 wrong to design 'freak results' with reverse grids

40

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has once again blasted the idea of resorting to reverse grids to spice up F1, insisting the sport isn't a "reality show".

The concept of a reverse grid sprint race was tabled earlier this year, but Mercedes voted down the plan which was scrapped.

But last weekend's crazy race at Monza which saw three mid-field drivers led by Pierre Gasly step up onto the podium encouraged F1 chief Ross Brawn to revive the idea, which could be voted through without the previously required unanimity of the teams.

But Wolff remains a staunch opponent of a reverse grid scheme.

"I don't think that we should mess with any of the format," Wolff said

"We see racing series that have tried to change formats that has historically been understood by the fans, NASCAR and the Chase comes to my mind, and I don't think we should be messing around.

"This is not because I have a Mercedes bias. On the contrary, I like the variability and the unpredictability, and we will have races that will be very different such as the Monza race.

"But nobody wants a winner that has started from a reverse grid.

"I don't think we should be designing freak results where it is almost impossible to overtake, just because we believe that the pecking order should be a different one.

"This is a meritocracy, this is a sport where best man and best machine wins, and this is not WWE, where the outcome is completely random.

"If you want to do random, let's make it a show. But I think the core DNA of the sport is being a sport, and then an entertainment platform.

"It's not a show. It's not a reality show, and it's not Big Brother, and I don't think we should be going there."

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

Despite Wolff's opposition, a reverse grid proposal looks set to be put on the agenda in the near future.

"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," said Brawn at Monza.

"We believe the race at Monza showed the excitement a mixed-up pack can deliver.

"We will continue to evaluate new formats with the aim of improving the show but always maintaining the DNA of Formula 1."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.