For Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, there may be an end to this Reverse network For speed racing. The shortened race was held last Saturday on the weekend of the Austin Grand Prix and afterwards there were some critical voices about it. The entertainment value in particular will be somewhat disappointing and so we are reconsidering adjusting the format.
In 2021, the sprint format was introduced to much fanfare. Its purpose is to reach a new audience, especially young people. Policy makers in the sport also see the long-awaited wish come true, because during the fast weekend, there is an important session on the program every day. However, in recent years, the system has been tweaked here and there, not only to provide more excitement, but also to ensure that the sport does not hinder too much for the main race on Sunday.
Also interesting: “F1 is looking at adjustments to the sprint format: reverse starting grid an option”
Inverted network
After the weekend in the US, a number of ideas have been put forward to improve the sprint format and one of those plans is Reverse network. This means that the championship standings will be used in reverse order to determine the starting grid for the sprint races. In conversation with RaceFans Wolf makes clear that he would not welcome such an amendment.
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Wolff opposes the idea and finds it a bit artificial. “I’m conservative in racing. I don’t prefer sprints at all. If we intervene more and implement an inverted grid, we will move more towards a junior category format. Sports will then follow entertainment, while entertainment has to follow sports.” In his view, policymakers try to use all kinds of artificial interventions, while in reality the competitive field removes all obstacles. “The fairness of the stopwatch is what attracts us. Creating an artificial game around the sprint on Saturday is not the approach I personally support, but that is my opinion. In the end, all teams must work together with Stefano [Domenicali] “Think about whether this is what is best for the sport,” the Mercedes team boss said.
