Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has slammed the reverse grid idea taking shape in the sport.
The second sprint race at the Italian GP was an eyesore, with barely any on-track action. There was little overtaking as well, leading fans to question the newly introduced format. Such innovations are not being welcomed by fans, but F1 is trying anyway.
Their latest idea is a reverse grid format. Ferrari have backed the idea, but other teams have not exactly warmed up to it. Among those teams is Mercedes, and Wolff stated the team’s thoughts on the same.
Wolff slammed the reverse grid idea, and maintained that the team hasn’t changed its stance on the proposal.
“We’ve resisted experiments in the past because they were too controversial and mainly also against what the sport stands for, and that’s real racing,” Wolff said, as quoted by motorsport.com.
“We’ve got great personalities now, it’s broadcast in the right way, and people know that it’s a meritocracy: the best man and best machine wins. You can see, this year, there’s just more cars that are really competitive and a really good fight at the top.
“So, whatever conclusion we take, altogether, the teams, the FIA, FOM and the F1 Commission, whether we discontinue or continue, we need to do it with a fine tooth comb.
“I don’t think this is the regulations we should try (to hit) with a baseball bat. We have too much responsibility for our sport to just freestyle with the regulatory changes. If Brazil proves to be an exciting race, then maybe there will be appetite to continue. But some of the suggestions that have come up are just confused,” he emphasised.
If it ain’t broke
Wolff also have his thoughts on the idea of sprint races, saying that he still prefers the traditional format.
“Start Friday afternoon with FP1, do a Saturday morning FP2, do a conventional qualifying like we do, and a fantastic grand prix on Sunday,” Wolff said.
“Maybe you want to do some warm-up Sunday morning, to add a little bit more spectacle for the people. In any case, I would just shorten the free practice sessions so there’s more variability in the results, but keep the rest like it is.”
Read more: Toto Wolff rules out Lewis Hamilton retirement rumours – “Never an option”