Formula 1 Managing Director Ross Brawn says the thrilling nature of the Italian Grand Prix shows why the championship should consider mixing up the race formats.
Last year an idea was floated in which the grids for three grands prix in 2020 would be determined by the outcome of a Saturday Sprint Race – in place of qualifying – with that grid set by reverse championship order.
The proposal did not receive the required unanimity and was widely panned by drivers.
The concept reared its head again amid the coronavirus pandemic as Formula 1 chiefs discussed whether to introduce the format at the second Austrian and British rounds.
But it again did not gain the needed support, with World Champions Mercedes a key opponent of the late change in format.
Several leading drivers were left out of position in Italy amid various struggles and incidents.
AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly went on to claim victory, in front of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lance Stroll, with all three on the podium for only the second time in their careers.
Valtteri Bottas was the highest-placed driver to have previously won a race, classifying fifth, while Lewis Hamilton was seventh after his penalty, with neither Red Bull driver scoring a point.
“Monza was a candidate for a reverse grid sprint race when we were considering testing the format this year,” said Brawn.
“Unfortunately, we could not move forward with it, but the concept is still something we and the FIA want to work through in the coming months and discuss with the teams for next year.
“We believe that yesterday’s race showed the excitement a mixed-up pack can deliver and with next year’s cars remaining the same as this year – our fans could be treated to the similar drama we saw this weekend at Monza.”
Brawn added that “of course, with a reverse grid sprint race, teams will set their cars up differently.
“Right now, Mercedes set their cars up to achieve the fastest lap and then to control the race from the front. If they know they have to overtake, they will have to change that approach.
“We will continue to evaluate new formats with the aim of improving the show but always maintaining the DNA of Formula 1.”
This year’s one-off Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will be the first two-day Formula 1 weekend, with just a single practice session prior to qualifying on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s race.
