F1 urged to scrap controversial grid idea

Since the arrival of Liberty Media in 2017, after four decades of former supremo Bernie Ecclestone's rule, Formula 1 has undergone numerous changes, sparking unprecedented growth.

As a new generation of fans embraces F1, Liberty's profits have soared, and the value of each team is at least a staggering $1bn.

Over the past eight years, whilst new venues have been added, F1 has also had to innovate to try and retain its appeal. Primarily, it introduced the sprint race.

Initially, it was seen as a gimmick anathema to the tried-and-trusted format of a grand prix weekend, and was comprehensively derided. But they have grown in number, with six this year and plans in the pipeline to increase to 12.

F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali does not want to stop there, however. "Crazy ideas", he says, have been discussed, which have included making the practice sessions more competitive, for one.

When it comes to the sprints, there is also a suggestion to set them with a controversial reverse grid.

Drivers like four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen already dislike the sprint. To make it a reverse grid would only rub salt into the wounds.

F1 fans also feel Domenicali and F1 should seek alternatives if they want to implement further change, as they are wholly against the idea of a reverse grid.

In a recent RacingNews365 poll, we asked you whether F1 should implement reverse grid sprint races, and you categorically rejected the prospect, with a convincing 62 per cent voting against, compared to 38 per cent saying yes.

As always, if you voted, thank you for taking part. Make sure you keep an eye out for our regular polls and register your vote.