Sebastian Vettel says reversed-grid races in Formula 1 would be “completely wrong” and says the sport needs to address its issues rather than “play the lottery.”
For 2020 Formula 1 chiefs floated the idea of a Sprint Race to take place instead of the three-part qualifying session at three events.
The grid for the shorter race would be set by reversing the championship order and its outcome would then provide the line-up for the actual grand prix.
This was rejected by Formula 1 teams while a revival of the concept for this year’s second events in Austria and Britain, amid the revised coronavirus-hit season, was also dismissed.
The chaotic nature of the Italian Grand Prix prompted Formula 1’s Managing Director Ross Brawn to raise the idea once more, but four-time champion Vettel has criticised the notion.
“I think it’s completely wrong,” said Vettel.
“Obviously it’s a testimony that if you are pushing in that direction [it is] a testimony that you have failed to come up with regulations and tools that bring the field more together and make racing better on-track.
“As a reminder, we had new front wing regulations which cost everybody a fortune, but ultimately haven’t changed much in terms of racing.
“I think it would be wrong. The hopes are on 2022, I guess, for the regulation changes, but I think we need to fix that and address the main points rather than try to play the lottery.”
Vettel went on to comment that “I think it’s just against the element of sport and competition.
“As a competitor, I think as much as I don’t like other people to win, I have to accept if other people win or do a better job.
“Therefore I think it would be wrong in the name of sport to try and mix things up that way.”
