Seidl no fan of introducing 'artificial randomness' into F1

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McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl believes Formula 1 doesn't need invitational races or reverse grids to spice up a show hegemonically dominated by Mercedes.

Last month's Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello was given a thumbs up by competitors and fans alike who underscored the merits of F1 racing at a new venue.

The event sparked an intrigue over the idea of adding "invitational races" to the sport's agenda, venues where teams race less prepared than usual. But Formula 1 is also considering trialing reverse grids at selected events next season as a way of shaking up the running order.

However, Seidl dismisses both ideas, insisting F1's current main issue lies with its dominant team, not the format of its races.

"Honestly, I don't see that we need it, because I also don't see that we need things like reverse grids," said the McLaren man.

"I think we have seen great races, even last year at the front when three teams with similar resources were fighting for the wins.

"We have seen great battles in the midfield, and I think we see great battles this year in the midfield.

"But with one team with, let's say, the big resources having made simply a sensational job compared to the other two, unfortunately that ended up this year in the dominance of Mercedes. That's the issue.

"I think in the end Mercedes worked hard to get there over the years, so they deserve also to be that dominant and to have the wins."

Seidl admits Racing Point has fastest midfield car

Seidl is confident that F1's regulation overhaul will result in tighter grids from 2022 and repeal the need for "artifical randomness" to improve the spectacle on the track.

"With everything that is planned from 2022 onwards. I'm very optimistic," said the German.

"I’m hopeful that actually we create over the years a field that is a lot closer together, and a more level playing field.

"And also the new technical regulations should help. The racing on track and cars racing close to each other should help a lot to improve the show.

"That's the reason why I'm not a fan of introducing any artificial randomness into Formula 1 because that's for me not F1."

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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.