George Russell explains why reverse grids will not work for Sprint races in F1
To improve Sprint races, starting from 2024, the FOM would consider implementing reverse grids. However, according to George Russell, this idea will not work. The Briton believes that it will create "DRS trains."
Six sprint races took place this season, in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin, and Brazil. The FOM is pleased with this format but is studying options for improvements for 2024.
Christian Horner, Executive Director of Red Bull, shares the opinion of the owners of the commercial rights of the sport, but thinks that the Sprint needs to evolve. « “I think the concept is good, but I believe that in execution, we can do a better job to make it more exciting for the viewers,” suggested Christian Horner. »
The idea of reversing the starting grid is one that often comes up in discussions and is supported by Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1. This involves completely or partially reversing the starting order on the grid for the race, compared to the results of the qualifying session. This system is applied in F3 and F2, the support races for F1 and the training grounds for future F1 drivers. Some of the current drivers have therefore experienced this format, such as Piastri, Gasly, Norris, and Russell.
« It would only be a DRS train »
“The idea of introducing reverse grids for sprints is not a good solution according to George Russell. The former GP3 Series champion, current F3, and F2 driver is familiar with this system and does not believe that the idea will work.”
« I learned this when I raced in Formula 3 and Formula 2. If you have the top 10 fastest cars, the most difficult car to overtake is the one you are battling with. If you reverse this grid, you will have the fastest car in 10th position trying to overtake the second fastest car in 9th, who will be trying to overtake the third fastest car in 8th. Each car is thus trying to overtake its closest competitor, explained the British driver to the media outlet RaceFans.
According to Russell, there will be fewer overtakes with this configuration. « What you will probably notice is that it would only be a DRS train. Because you could have a Williams leading a Haas, which can’t quite overtake, leading an Alpine, which then leads a McLaren or anyone else. Therefore, I think the concept will not work », says the Mercedes driver.
He also criticizes the absence of tire degradation in the majority of Sprint races this year. « The best Sprint races so far have been those where there was either tire degradation, as we saw in Qatar, or people on different strategies. Similarly, in Brazil, the tires could only last 25 laps, regardless of type, and it was a good race. But most of the time, in Sprint races, you put on the medium tire and go full throttle until the end, and there is no exciting race », concludes George Russell.
