Toto Wolff is not in favor of a reversed grid for drag racing: ‘I would rather not have it at all’

For Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, there may be an end to this Inverted network For speed racing. Last Saturday, the shortened race weekend for the Austin Grand Prix took place and afterwards there were some critical voices about it. The entertainment value in particular will be somewhat disappointing and so we are reconsidering adjusting the format.

In 2021, the sprint format was introduced to much fanfare. Its purpose is to reach a new audience, especially young people. Policy makers in the sport also see the long-awaited wish come true, because during the fast weekend, there is an important session on the program every day. However, in recent years, the system has been tweaked here and there, not only to provide more excitement, but also to ensure that the sport does not hinder too much for the main race on Sunday.

Also interesting: “F1 is looking at adjustments to the sprint format: reverse starting grid an option”

Inverted network

After the weekend in the US, a number of ideas have been put forward to improve the sprint format and one of those plans is Inverted network. This means that the championship standings will be used in reverse order to determine the starting grid for the sprint races. In conversation with RaceFans Wolff makes clear that he would not welcome such an amendment.

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Wolff opposes the idea and finds it a bit artificial. “I’m conservative in racing. I don’t prefer sprints at all. If we intervene more and implement an inverted grid, we will move more towards a junior category format. Sports will then follow entertainment, while entertainment has to follow sports.” In his view, policymakers try to use all kinds of artificial interventions, while in reality the competitive field removes all obstacles. “The fairness of the stopwatch is what attracts us. Creating an artificial game around Saturday’s sprint race is not the way I personally support, but that’s my opinion. In the end, all teams have to work together with Stefano [Domenicali] “Think about whether this is what is best for the sport,” the Mercedes team boss said.