Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has predictably shot down F1's Sprint Qualifying format that will be trialed this season, insisting the idea "complete nonsense".
F1 is set to experiment at three venues this year with a new qualifying format that will see drivers compete in a Saturday afternoon 100-kilometer race that will determine the grid for race day.
The concept will be rolled out for the very first time at the British GP at Silverstone in July, with Monza and Interlagos also expected to trial the idea which, if successful, could become more widespread in 2022.
But Ecclestone says the sport's current management is taking the wrong approach to the concept.
"The way they have decided it now is complete nonsense," the 90-year-old reportedly told Germany's Sport Bild.
"If the winner of the sprint race also gets points and is also on the first grid position, at the end of the season that does not give a true reflection of who is really the best driver."
Ecclestone, who once suggested that drivers should line up on Sunday's grid in the reverse over of qualifying, still believes that the idea of inversing positions holds merit.
"My original idea was to give the winner of a sprint race maybe ten points, but let him start the race from tenth place," explained Mr. E.
"If he had then moved up to third place in the race, for example, his real ability would have been better seen."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Red Bull admits it’s facing a steep learning curve with its in-house engine development, but…
Sky F1 commentator Damon Hill believes a return to McLaren could be the most fitting…
A special chapter in F1 history was written on this day in 1975 when Lella…
Mercedes is reportedly planning high-level talks with Max Verstappen and his management after next week’s…
Aston Martin F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly considering selling a minority stake in…
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has suggested that the increasing complexity of F1's sporting regulations…