Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc give their views on reverse-grid qualifying races. Seb and Charles give their views on reverse-grid qualifying races.

Formula 1’s goal of introducing reverse-grid qualifying races at a limited number of rounds in 2020 looks increasingly unlikely to happen as several teams have indicated they will not support it. It’s not a popular idea among the drivers, either. Since the proposal was first mooted 12 months ago, all 20 of the current field have given their thought on it, and few had anything positive to say about this idea.

Probably the strongest critics of the proposal among the drivers, Vettel called the plan “complete bullshit” last year, and explained his views in full recently:

“I think it’s completely wrong. Obviously it’s a testimony that if you are pushing in that direction, a testimony that you failed to come up with regulations and tools that bring the field more together and make racing better on the track. I mean, as a reminder, we had new front wing regulations which cost everybody a fortune, but ultimately haven’t changed much in terms of racing. I think it would be wrong. Obviously the hopes are on 2022 I guess for the regulation changes. I think we need to fix that and address the main points rather than trying to play the lottery. I think it’s just against the element of sport and competition. As a competitor, I think as much as I don’t like other people to win, I have to accept if other people win or do a better job. Therefore I think it would be wrong in the name of sport to try and mix things up that way.” – he explained.

Reverse-grid qualifying races might at least give Ferrari a chance to start near the front on a Saturday, but Charles Leclerc is no keener than Sebastian Vettel:

“I don’t think it’s the solution for Formula 1. I think the best should win and start in the best place and not reversing that order.”- the Monegasque driver concluded.