Sergio Perez wants reverse grid sprint races, Max Verstappen wants them scrapped completely

Sergio Perez believes Formula 1 should use reverse grids to set the starting order for sprint races next year or abandon the concept of shortened races altogether.

The sixth and final sprint race of the 2023 season took place on Saturday in Brazil, with Perez’s Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen winning the 24-lap race ahead of Lando Norris.

Verstappen has criticized sprint races since their introduction in 2021, despite small changes to the format each year that have attempted to improve the spectacle.

The initial idea floated by Formula 1 was for 100km races with a reverse grid – most likely with the starting order decided by reversing the championship standings.

For comparison, the minimum length of an F1 grand prix, according to regulations, is 305 km (190 miles).

The idea of ​​the reverse grid was rejected by the teams, but as a concession they agreed to three sprints in 2021 and 2022, with the order setting the grid for the grand prix, which then turned into six races in 2023, the sprint being a standalone race. it has nothing to do with Sunday’s main event.

Perez thinks the time has come to return to the original idea or abandon sprints altogether.

“I think if they want to keep this sprint racing format, we have to change it,” Perez said after finishing third in Saturday’s race.

“I would suggest a reverse grid, something like that, to make it more interesting for the fans because I don’t think that fits with what we want to achieve.

“Nothing really happens in these kinds of races.”

Asked if he would seriously consider reverse grids, Perez added: “Yes, I think it would mix things up and create more opportunities, a lot more overtaking.”

“If we want to keep this format, let’s try something completely different. In recent years, this kind of event hasn’t brought many good races.”

The current format sees qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix on Friday, a second qualifying – known as a shootout – on Saturday, which then sets the grid for the 100km sprint race later the same day.

This order of sessions is likely to change next year, so the penalty shootout will take place on Friday evening, the sprint race will be the first session on Saturday, the Grand Prix qualifying will be the second session on Saturday and the full race will still run as the main event on Sunday.

When Verstappen was asked what he would change, he replied: “Just a normal racing weekend, please. Thank you.”

“I’m not interested in any changes [to the format]. I just don’t like it.”

The day before winning the Sao Paulo sprint race, Verstappen qualified on pole position, where he will start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday.