Formula 1 is at a crossroads, contemplating the introduction of a potentially groundbreaking but also highly controversial ‘reverse grid’ feature to its tweaked sprint weekend format for the 2024 season. As it stands, F1 has confirmed six grand prix venues for next year’s sprint races, with Shanghai and Miami joining as fresh destinations. Despite some controversy, the format has seen a surge in popularity, with television audiences for Friday qualifying sessions skyrocketing by up to 140 percent compared to pre-sprint events, as per Nielsen research.
During a recent F1 Commission meeting, discussions were held about tweaking the 2024 format to optimize session sequencing. However, the German publication Auto Motor und Sport has reported that agreement is still pending on how parc ferme restrictions will be applied during these sprint weekends.
The F1 Commission is set to reconvene in January to deliberate further modifications to the sprint format, including the contentious reverse grid proposal for the top ten qualifiers, which remains on the table. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the need for continuous evolution in the sport, indicating ongoing discussions with FOM and teams to refine the sprint format.
However, the reverse grid sprint proposal faces a significant hurdle: the risk of drivers holding back in the qualifying session to gain a better position in the sprint race. A proposed solution is to award points for top qualifying positions, as reported by Tobias Gruner. But he notes there is “still resistance to this, especially from within the teams,” making the implementation of this “radical” feature in 2024 unlikely.
Mercedes driver and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell has voiced his skepticism about the reverse grid races. “I don’t speak for the drivers,” he said, “but my personal opinion is that I don’t think reverse grid races will work.” Russell fears this format could lead to a ‘DRS train,’ with slower cars leading the pack and preventing overtaking, thereby undermining the intended excitement of the concept.
