Formula 1 racing aims to change its starting game
Formula One is set to push for reverse-grid sprint races in place of qualifying at some circuits in 2021 after Sunday’s thrilling Italian Grand Prix highlighted the excitement potential.
The Monza race was halted halfway when Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed. Its restartwith a mixed grid amounted to a sprint to the finish.
The result was a surprise firsttime winner in AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly, with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Racing Point’s Lance Stroll completing a podium with none of the usual top three teams.
Formula One’s motorsport MD Ross Brawn said the race made the stalled plan worth considering again.
“Monza was a candidate for a reverse-grid sprint race when we were considering testing the format this year,” he wrote on the formula1.com website.
“Unfortunately, we could not move forward with it, but the concept is still something we and the [governing] Fia want to work through in the coming months and discuss with the teams for next year.
“With next year’s cars remaining the same as this year, our fans could be treated to the similar drama we saw this weekend at Monza.”
The idea required unanimous approval but was blocked by Mercedes for 2020. That no longer applies for 2021, with a new commercial Concorde Agreement in place from next year and changes possible with a “super majority”.
That means the plan could proceed, even if two teams are opposed.
Brawn said teams would naturally set up their cars differently if they knew they were going into a formal reverse-grid sprint race.
“Mercedes set their cars up to achieve the fastest lap and then to control the race from the front. If they know they have to overtake, they will have to change that.” —