
via Getty
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 25: Alain Prost, Special Advisor to Renault Sport F1 walks to the garage before qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

via Getty
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 25: Alain Prost, Special Advisor to Renault Sport F1 walks to the garage before qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
Since taking over from Bernie Ecclestone, F1 parent company, Liberty Media are eager to introduce new formats to the pinnacle of motor racing in order to increase the number of spectators.
They have already introduced some changes to the race format by bringing the sprint qualification, which will take place for the third time at the Brazilian GP. And now, Liberty Media wants to introduce the reverse grid format to F1.
The reverse grid format will aim for the sprint qualifying race to have the reverse order of the qualifying session, which will be held on Fridays.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the four-time world champion, Alain Prost, is against the idea of reverse grids. In addition, he is threatening to leave the sport if Formula 1 ever introduces the new format.
Watch Story: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco
What did Alain Prost say?
As quoted by Motorlat, Alain Prost is not a huge fan of the reverse grid format which was recently proposed by Formula 1. In fact, the Frenchman. who is currently the director of the Alpine F1 team, will leave the sport if F1 introduces the reverse grid format.
“I’m very happy to try things if possible. But you need to understand why you want to make these decisions, what is the reason,” said Alain Prost.
“We have to understand that the best team has to win because it is the best because it is the spirit and objective of Formula 1. For example, the inverted grill. I hate that.” (Translated via Google Translate)

via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Alain Prost, Special Advisor to Renault Sport F1 looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“If they introduced the reverse grid in Formula 1, I think I would leave the sport because I think it is the worst thing to do for Formula 1. I prefer to have the dominance of a team because they have done a better job than to have that,” concluded Prost.
Reverse grid format “can be of interest” to the fans: Mattia Binotto
The majority of teams are against the introduction of the new format, although some teams like Ferrari are supporting the idea of the reverse grid. The Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto believes the new format is interesting and can be good for the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m very happy, I can hear there are different proposals from drivers. I think having a mini-race on Saturday with the inversed grid compared to the championship, I think whatever idea can be interesting,” said Mattia Binotto.

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto is seen in a protective face mask before the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini.
“I think that for the show and the spectacle, it can be of interest,” added Binotto.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Alpine F1 Director Alain Prost Makes an Honest Admission About Fernando Alonso
Should Formula 1 introduce new race weekend formats to the sport? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT