Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed he intends to propose bold changes to Sprint race weekends, including the possibility of reverse grids.
The Sprint concept was conceived in the 2021 season, with short races taking place on Saturdays, which debuted at that year’s British Grand Prix.
More Sprints have been implemented on the calendar since then, with this season having six pencilled in, four of which have already taken place.
Despite Sprint Races being commonplace in motorsport, it has been a somewhat contentious issue, with an understandable kickback, given it is misaligned with F1 traditions.
But Domenicali appears to be undeterred by such naysayers, having now floated the idea of an increase as well as the intriguing prospect of reversing the grid order.
“I do believe there are possibilities to extend two things, which we need to discuss, both with the drivers and the teams, and, of course, with the FIA,” the Italian told The Race.
“There are: can we apply that [Sprint schedules] with more races? And is this the right formula to have the possibility to have a reverse grid, as we are doing with F2 and F3? These are points of discussion.
“I think that we are getting there to be mature to make sure that this point will be tackled seriously with the teams.
“The vibes to progress in this direction are definitely growing, and therefore I’m ready to present and to discuss not only more sprints…but if there are new formats, new ideas.”
Domenicali insists F1 Sprints are here to stay
Domenicali is open to dialogue about how to reinvigorate interest in the Sprints, believing that heeding the opinions of F1 fans is key regarding potential reverse grids.
“We are open for that,” he added, “because I think that’s the right thing – to listen to our fans, to try to create something, and not to be worried to do mistakes.
“The one who believes to do no mistakes doesn’t do anything new.”
The Italian, who was also previously an engineer and Team Principal with Ferrari, indicated that scrapping Sprint races altogether is not an option that is on the table.
“I think that the Sprint, whatever will be the right format, we need to have it. It will represent the future,” he asserted.
When asked whether there could be Sprints at every round like in MotoGP, Domenicali intimated that more could happen, but admitted 24 could be a step too far.
“I’m not saying no, but I think that, between six and 24, we have to do steps into the middle,” he concluded.
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