Hamilton’s comeback: a strong argument for reverse grids?

Formula 1 is ready to discuss with teams during the winter in order to set up six sprint qualifying races next season. This meeting will also be an opportunity to improve this new format which does not yet have unanimous support.

Ferrari, however, wants to go even further. The legendary Italian team is suggesting that the sprint race on Saturday become a standalone event, with reversed grids. The Scuderia believes that Lewis Hamilton’s comeback last Saturday is a strong argument.

“I think the sprint race was very interesting this weekend,” Mattia Binotto told Autosport. “We had a lot of overtaking and it was a lot of fun. I think we should seriously consider a reverse grid for the sprint races. When we look at what happened, I don’t think there’s even a debate possible on the subject.”

Daniel Ricciardo, for his part, is among the skeptics. The Australian believes that such a format would devalue the importance of a Formula 1 victory.

« Seeing Lewis start from the back of the grid made the weekend even more exciting for the spectators, I’m sure, and the sprint race benefited from him starting from behind. But I think a victory should be a victory. A sprint race has less value, for sure, but I think that to cross the finish line first, you should always be the best driver so if you did it while qualifying last when you had the pole, I’m not sure. I don’t know what satisfaction can be derived from that. »