“F1 Shouldn’t Be Scared”- Red Bull Boss Suggests Ways to Trial ‘Reverse-Grid’ Races Amidst Mercedes Backlash

The crazy and chaotic Italian Grand Prix gave fans a glimpse into what a ‘reverse-grid’ F1 race might look like. In fact, it was so inspiring that it led the F1 bosses to reconsider the idea for 2021, merely months after it was rejected thanks to a negative vote by Mercedes. However, Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes that it’s worth trying. But in a non-competitive racing scenario.

One of the biggest opponents to the ‘reverse-grid’ idea had been Mercedes. Team boss Toto Wolff has time and again criticized the idea. In his most recent outburst, Wolff said that he didn’t want F1 racing to become an entertainment/reality show.

However, Horner is far more accepting of the idea. He said, “(F1) shouldn’t be scared of trying something different.” But instead of risking the world championship for it, Horner has a better plan in mind.

He said, “If there was an occasion or a type of venue, or an invitation race, or maybe even a non-championship race, if something like that could be tried, it would be very interesting to see what the outcome would be.

“The problem is if you don’t try something, you never know. I think it’s very easy to get stuck into a rut of saying that’s ridiculous, it wouldn’t work. The purist in me says the same.

“But sometimes in life, you’ve got to try things and see what the outcome is. If that could be done in a manner that doesn’t affect the championship,” says Horner.

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Red Bull boss builds on his non-championship races idea

If a non-championship race (which hasn’t taken place since 1983) is on the table, then Horner suggests the use of those tracks that won’t make the cut for the final calendar.

He said, “We’ve got all these great new circuits that are pushing for races this year that we won’t be able to accommodate in future years. If one event was selected to try a different format, to try something different, what do we have to lose.”

Nevertheless, this is merely Horner’s personal opinion. No talks have taken place between F1 or the other teams.

The jury is still out on the preference of having ‘reverse-grid’ races. However, Horner does have a point when he says that it’s worth a shot to have it tested where championship points are not at stake.

What do you think about ‘reverse grid’ races? Can it be implemented successfully? Or would you prefer to stick rather than twist?