Formula 1 may soon embrace a bold change in sprint race format. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali wants to introduce reverse grid sprint races to increase unpredictability and entertainment. He shared this vision on The Race podcast, urging fans and stakeholders to consider new ideas that energize race weekends.
Instead of following qualifying results for grid order, Domenicali proposes flipping the starting grid for sprint races — a format already used in Formula 2 and Formula 3. According to him, the sport now has the maturity to explore these changes seriously.
“We should look at two things,” Domenicali said. “First, increasing the number of sprint weekends. Second, using reverse grids in these races to test a new format.”
Since 2021, F1 has expanded sprint weekends from three to six per season. Fans have welcomed the extra action, and Domenicali believes that adding F1 reverse grid sprint races would elevate the excitement even more.
While some critics worry about fairness, the reverse grid format often produces thrilling battles and strategic challenges. In F2 and F3, faster drivers must overtake from the back, which encourages bold moves and nonstop action.
The rise in F1’s global popularity — helped by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the recent Brad Pitt movie — motivates leaders to keep evolving. Domenicali insists the sport must meet fan expectations by testing fresh ideas like this one.
Although F1 hasn’t made any official changes yet, the discussion around reverse grid sprint races shows a clear willingness to experiment. If adopted, this format could redefine how teams prepare and race on sprint weekends.
