A recent report in the Italian media informs that Formula 1 is still taking into consdieration the possibility of using reverse grids for Sprint Qualifying races in the 2022 season. The idea has previously been an unpopular prospect among fans and Formula 1 personalities.
After Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said a few months ago that the concept of reverse grids in sprint qualifying would not be implemented, the Italian publication Gazzetta Sportiva informs that the idea is being revisited and will be evaluated during the next meeting of the World Motorsport Council meeting, which is scheduled to take place in December.
The thought is reverse grids could tie into Formula 1 running a separate ‘sprint championship’ – including a separate title – but these sprints would not affect the starting slots for the main grand prix grid.
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Gazzetta Sportiva report explains that the top eight or 10 drivers from Friday’s qualifying session would be reversed, with a standalone sprint on Saturday – but the starting grid for Sunday would come directly from the results of the standard qualifying session on Friday, which in theory would clear up any issues surrounding the official awarding of pole position in qualifying.
Ferrari previously confirmed that it would agree to the idea, but many other teams and fans are thought to be vehemently against the concept of a reverse grid element coming in within Formula 1, so the idea may not be able to be implemented at all if the opposition within the sport remains strong enough.
Former Ferrari driver Alain Prost admitted that he would “leave the sport” entirely if reverse grids come into play, while Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer agreed that introducing them would lead Formula 1 on a “slippery slope” towards becoming a Formula 2-style series.
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