Prost 'would leave the sport' if F1 resorted to reverse grids

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F1 legend and Alpine advisor Alain Prost says he would rather leave the sport rather than endure the desolate spectacle of reverse grids in Formula 1.

After Silverstone and Monza, Grand Prix racing will conclude its sprint race trial in November at Interlagos, after which the sport will undertake a full assessment of the novel format's pros and cons.

In the interim however, a number of suggestions have been tabled to boost the Saturday afternoon 100 km event, with the idea of a reverse grid rearing once again its ugly head.

But not everyone is opposed to the controversial approach, with Ferrari remaining open to an idea that they believe can boost the show for the fans.

Read also - Wolff: Too much responsibility for F1 to 'freestyle' format changes

"I think having a mini-race on Saturday with the inversed grid compared to the championship, I think whatever idea can be interesting," said Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto.

"I think that for the show and the spectacle, it can be of interest."

"I am pretty sure that there will be other discussions or ideas to come up through the F1 commission with F1, FIA and all the other team principals. So I'm fully open minded."

Prost however is adamant that introducing reverse grids would be very bad for the sport as it would undermine the notion of merit that must prevail in F1, an opinion shared by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"I think it’s good that Formula 1 is trying some things, but you have to understand why you want to do this," said the four-time world champion on his Prost in the Paddock podcast.

"You have to ask yourself why. Formula 1 must remain traditional. We have to understand the best car and the best driver win because they are the best. That’s the whole idea of Formula 1.

"I hate the idea of a reverse starting order. I hate it. If they introduce the reversed grid in Formula 1, I would leave the sport.

"I think that’s the worst thing you can do for Formula 1. I would rather see a team dominate because they did the best work than a reversed grid.

"But I am very traditionalist. They also experimented with points for pole position at the time, which I was not happy about."

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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.