Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have both criticised the concept for reversed-grid qualifying races, amid Formula 1’s evaluation of the idea for 2020.
Formula 1’s 10 teams have given the FIA and Formula One Management the green-light to investigate whether to replace qualifying with a qualifying race at three grands prix in 2020.
Under current proposals, the grid for the qualifying race would be determined by reverse championship order, with the qualifying race result setting the grid for the main grand prix.
Whatever proposal is laid out by the FIA it will still need unanimous agreement from the teams, with potential locations, costs, and tyre/engine usage the main discussion points.
Vettel and Hamilton nonetheless criticised the idea, believing it is not focusing on the main areas that need to be improved.
“I think it’s complete bulls**t to be honest,” said Vettel on the reversed-grid concept.
“I think we know what’s probably [best] if you want to improve things, it’s very clear, you need to string the field together, have better racing. It’s just a plaster.
“I don’t know which genius came up with this, but it’s not the solution. I think it’s completely wrong.”
Added Hamilton: “I think the people that proposed that don’t really know what they’re talking about.”
Singapore polesitter Charles Leclerc also weighed in, commenting: “I would not be happy being at the back! Happier to start first.
“I don’t think it’s a solution for Formula 1. I think the best should win, and start in the best place, and not reversing that order. I don’t think it’s a solution.”
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