Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali continues to advocate for the implementation of reverse starting grids in the premier class. The Italian, who has previously expressed support for the adjusted starting order, believes that Formula 1 should simply be ‘brave’ and engage in the discussion about the new format. According to Domenicali, more and more drivers are also coming around: “A few have already said, ‘Why don’t we try it once?'” the Italian reveals.
CEO Stefano Domenicali has been at the helm of Formula 1 since 2021. The Italian was there when the premier class introduced the sprint format for the first time that same season. However, for Domenicali, the shortened race session – which is on the calendar no less than six times this season, with the next one in Austin – is not enough. The CEO wants to take the next step for the sprint format, and is looking to Formula 2 for inspiration.
In the feeder series, races are regularly run with the so-called reverse starting grids. In this starting order, the starting order is reversed based on the results achieved in the qualifying session. Domencali advocated for the adjusted sprint format as early as August, but now repeats his words to Motorsport.com.
‘More and more drivers are in favor’
“We’ve talked about it in the past, but in the coming months we need to be brave and reignite the discussion,” explains the Formula 1 boss. “I’ve even heard from a number of drivers that they liked the idea. While they were all against it at first. During the last meeting, a few said, ‘Why don’t we try it once?’. This format has been used for decades in Formula 2 and 3.”
