Lewis Hamilton Had His Say On Reverse Grids as F1 Consider Radical Rule Change

Lewis Hamilton has already given his thoughts on reverse grids as Formula 1 consider a radical rule change.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged that the format of race weekends may need to evolve in order to engage younger viewers. Sprint races, which were introduced in 2021, was the first move towards changing F1 by adding a race which is only a third of the full Grand Prix distance.

Now, another more radical proposal is under consideration with the reverse-grid concept, which is already used in both F2 and F3 sprint races. In those series, qualifying still sets the grid for the main feature race, but the sprint races use a reverse order.

In F2, the top 10 are switched over, while in F3, it is the first 12 that are flipped. It is designed to encourage more overtaking as the faster drivers are forced to make moves through the field.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton at the Dutch GP. Image: Rudy Carezzevoli / Stringer via Getty

Domenicali said: “It’s on our agenda. We’ve discussed it before, but in the coming months we’ll need the courage to push the discussion again because I’ve heard several drivers propose it.

"At first everyone was against it, but at the last meeting many of them said, ‘Why don’t we try?’. I don’t think there’s a single right or wrong stance here, every opinion has value.

"We’ll evaluate it with the FIA and interpret an evolving trend as best as possible, that’s for sure.”

Hamilton crashed out of the Dutch GP. Image: NurPhoto / Contributor via Getty

What does Lewis Hamilton think about reverse grids?

The seven-time world champion has changed his mind on the potential rule change in recent years. Back in 2019, he was highly dismissive of the idea.

“The people who have proposed it don’t really know what they’re talking about," he said.

But in 2023, he was asked again about the potential change and was more receptive to the idea.

The 40-year-old said: “Saturday is not the greatest of days but I like the single practice session straight into qualifying. I think we can learn. I love that we do have a different format rather than just the same three practice sessions and then the qualifying and the race.

“The best sprint race I ever had was when I started last [in 2021 in Brazil].

"I’m in favour of the reverse order, except if we had that then everyone will just try and qualify last!”

As well as adding sprint races and potential reverse grids, Domenicali argued that technological development had reduced some of the need for practice sessions.

He even suggested shortening full distance races, in a proposal that would be hugely controversial among F1 fans.