Is Formula 1 set to follow in the footsteps of Formula 2? According to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, this is certainly an option. The Italian is keen to discuss new formats for sprint races in the premier class. A reverse starting grid – already frequently used in the feeder series – is, according to the Formula 1 boss, definitely an option.
Stefano Domenicali has been the CEO of Formula 1 since 2021 and has repeatedly expressed his ambition to make the premier class even more exciting. In his first year as F1 boss, the first sprint race was already on the schedule, but for the Italian, this is not enough. Speaking to The Race, Domenicali reveals that within Formula 1, discussions are taking place about the next steps for the shortened race sessions.
More Sprint Races and Reverse Starting Grids
“I truly believe that there are opportunities to expand two things. We need to discuss these, both with the drivers and the teams, and of course with the FIA,” Domenicali says about the future of sprint races. “Those two things are: can we apply the sprint format to more races? And is a sprint race the right formula for possibly a reverse starting grid, as we do in F2 and F3? These are points of discussion.”
In a reverse starting grid, the starting order is reversed based on the results of a qualifying session. The format has already been regularly applied in Formula 2. According to Domenicali, Formula 1 teams are also increasingly open to the idea. “That’s why I’m ready to not only present and discuss more sprints, but also new formats and new ideas.” The boss sees the sprint format not disappearing from the premier class. “It represents the future,” Domenicali is certain.
