Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali suggests the time might be right to debate once again the merits of introducing reverse grids for sprint events.
The sport has seen significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of the 30-minute Saturday races as one of the most notable.
Designed to add excitement and engage the ever-growing international audience, Sprint races offer fans a shorter, more intense race ahead of Sunday’s main event. They have been included in six race weekends this year.
The concept of reverse grids is not new to motorsport. In Formula 2 and Formula 3, the idea of reversing a portion of the grid order has been implemented to great effect, creating thrilling races full of overtakes and position changes.
But when it comes to F1, the proposal has historically been met with resistance from teams, drivers, and purists alike.
However, Domenicali, ever the advocate for increased entertainment value, sees potential in the concept.
“I remember when we introduced them [F1’s sprint events] we had a lot of criticism from the purists – who we need to always listen to, even to the ones who are not happy with it,” he told Motorsport.com.
“But I feel that now the thing has shifted completely the other way around. I think that the change we’ve introduced this year is the right one for many reasons – with separate qualifying and parc ferme. The flow is much better today.”
The separate qualifying sessions and parc fermé rules have indeed improved the Sprint format, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
Yet, Domenicali is eager to explore new ways to further enhance the excitement.
“And then, of course, there are certain topics that are always quite debatable,” he added.
“We can really once again discuss if there is the need to reverse the grid, or half of the grid like what F2 and F3 are doing.
“So these are always things to keep the mind alive, if I may say, with the intent to keep something always interesting.”
The F1 CEO believes the potential benefits outweigh the concerns of "fake" racing, and he argues his case.
“Personally, I would say, why not? It’s a lot of action,” he said. “It is overtaking. You’re fighting for points?
“Some people can say, ‘Oh, it is a fake way of racing.’ Fake? There is nothing fake related to what you believe is the right format to produce great action. So I would be interested to discuss that again. Yes,” he concluded.
As the next Sprint race approaches during the United States Grand Prix weekend on October 19, the F1 community will undoubtedly continue to weigh the merits and potential pitfalls of reverse grids.
While it remains to be seen whether the idea will gain traction, Domenicali’s willingness to entertain bold ideas signals a broader commitment to keeping Formula 1 dynamic and engaging.
Whether or not reverse grids become a reality, the ongoing conversation about innovation in F1 is one that promises to keep fans, teams, and drivers alike on the edge of their seats.
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