Domenicali: Interested to discuss reverse grid Sprints again

The CEO of the Formula One Group has pushed for a higher entertainment factor in the sport to appeal to an ever-growing international audience. Since taking over the helm of the organisation in 2021, the Italian has introduced a swathe of changes, chief of which has been the Sprint race format.

Despite going through a number of different iterations, the premise of the Sprint race has remained the same. A shorter race before the main race to keep spectators entertained and to add to the build-up before Sunday.

However, the format has not been without its detractors. Some say that the sheer number of races over a calendar year has reduced the stakes of each event, while drivers themselves have complained about a lack of preparation as a Sprint weekend necessitates two fewer practice sessions.

Nevertheless, Sprint races have been around for some time and apparently there to stay with F1 big wigs insisting they are something positive for the sport. Now, Domenicali wants to take it up another notch by reversing the order from Sprint Qualifying to see even more overtakes and charges through the field.

In an exclusive interview with motorsport.com, Domenicali talked about the shift in perception of the Sprint format. He said: "I remember when we introduced them we had a lot of criticism from the purists – who we need to always listen to, even to the ones who are not happy with it.

"But I feel that now the thing has shifted completely the other way around. I think that the change we've introduced this year is the right one for many reasons – with separate qualifying and parc ferme. The flow is much better today," stated the F1 CEO.

Domenicali continued by suggesting that reverse grids may be the next evolution in F1. He added: "And then, of course, there are certain topics that are always quite debatable. We can really once again discuss if there is the need to reverse the grid, or half of the grid like what F2 and F3 are doing.

"So these are always things to keep the mind alive, if I may say, with the intent to keep something always interesting."

Reverse grids were considered in F1 a few years ago, but the idea was met with negativity from drivers and teams across the grid. However, Domenicali is still intrigued by the idea and wants to discuss it again: "Personally, I would say, why not? It's a lot of action. It is overtaking. You're fighting for points?

"Some people can say, ‘Oh, it is a fake way of racing.’ Fake? There is nothing fake related to what you believe is the right format to produce great action. So I would be interested to discuss that again. Yes," he concluded.

The next Sprint race on Saturday 19 October during the United States Grand Prix weekend.