F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali Addresses ‘Fake Racing’ Concerns Amid Interest in Reversed Grid Sprint Races

F1 Chief Downplays Concerns About "Artificial Racing" with "Reverse Grid" Sprint Proposal

Is a reverse grid format for sprint races a good idea for F1?

Stefano Domenicali has dismissed worries about changing the sprint race format in F1 and is "curious" about the idea of reversing the grid.

This season, the schedule for F1 sprint weekends has been adjusted, and even more significant changes might be imminent.

The Formula 1 CEO finds the concept of reversing the starting grid to be fascinating.

“There are some subjects that are consistently very contentious,” Domenicali said to Motorsport.

"We can definitely revisit the idea of reversing the starting order for the entire grid, or perhaps just for half of it, similar to the approach used in F2 and F3."

"These are all ways to keep the mind engaged, so to speak, with the aim of maintaining a continuous sense of interest."

“If you ask me, I'd say, why not? There's a ton of action involved. It includes overtaking and battling for points.”

Certain individuals might claim, "This method of racing is not genuine."

"Fake? There's nothing false about the methods you think are best for creating excellent action. I'd be keen to talk more about that. Absolutely."

This season, six events will include a sprint race held on Saturday, along with the corresponding sprint qualifying session.

In comparison, MotoGP, acquired by F1's parent company Liberty Media this year, includes a sprint race at each event, held on the Saturday ahead of the Sunday grand prix.

Domenicali stated that his strategy to make an F1 weekend more exciting involves incorporating a competitive aspect into each session, instead of merely having three hours of practice.

He expressed his hope, stating, "My ideal scenario is that there is always a challenge to tackle whenever you are on the track."

Changing the starting order poses a complicated challenge, as it requires a new rule to stop F1 drivers from purposely qualifying at the back to secure the front starting spot.

The F1 Academy employs a semi-reversed grid system. In the second race of their three-race series, the top eight finishers are lined up in reverse order. This particular race offers fewer points compared to the other two races.

However, drivers still have motivation to secure the pole position in qualifying because the standard starting order is maintained for Races 1 and 3.

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