Wolff on reverse grids: F1 is "not a reality show"
Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 risks creating "completely random" results with its reverse grid plans for 2021, saying the series is "not WWE" and "not a reality show".
F1 was pushing earlier this year to use a reverse grid sprint race format instead of qualifying at select races through 2020, only for Mercedes to block the plans and cause them to be scrapped.
But following an exciting race at Monza that saw the front-runners hit trouble and AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly score a shock victory, F1 said earlier this week it would revisit the plans for 2021.
A change in F1's governance structure means the move would no longer require unanimity, and a rejection from Mercedes would not sink the proposal as in 2020.
Asked if his position on reverse grids had changed, Wolff outlined his opposition to the proposal, believing it would go against the DNA of F1 and risk producing too many random results.
"I don't think that we should mess with any of the format," Wolff said.
"We see racing series that have tried to change formats that has historically been understood by the fans, NASCAR and the Chase comes to my mind, and I don't think we should be messing around.
"This is not because I have a Mercedes bias. On the contrary, I like the variability and the unpredictability, and we will have races that will be very different such as the Monza race.
"But nobody wants a winner that has started from a reverse grid. I don't think we should be designing freak results where it is almost impossible to overtake, just because we believe that the pecking order should be a different one.
"This is a meritocracy, this is a sport where best man and best machine wins, and this is not WWE, where the outcome is completely random.
"If you want to do random, let's make it a show. But I think the core DNA of the sport is being a sport, and then an entertainment platform.
"It's not a show. It's not a reality show, and it's not Big Brother, and I don't think we should be going there."
The alterations to F1's governance were made under the newly-agreed Concorde Agreement that will come into force from 2021.
Plans such as reverse grid sprint races now only require a 'super majority', which would be reached with approval from eight teams plus the FIA and F1.
F1 managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn said earlier this week the series would "continue to evaluate new formats with the aim of improving the show but always maintaining the DNA of F1."
Should the proposal be approved, the format would only be used at a handful of circuits through the 2021 season, and not become a permanent format change.
Related video
Gasly explains reasons behind Q1 exit at Mugello
Sainz says McLaren's drop in form "a nasty surprise"
Why Mercedes' Spanish GP gains aren't as grand as they seemed
Mercedes' strong showing in last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix prompted team boss Toto Wolff to say it had halved its deficit to the leaders and its Formula 1 title chances were back on after a rocky start to the 2022 campaign. But a closer inspection of the team's performance suggests its gains aren't as grand as they first appeared
What's next for the Green Red Bull controversy?
From the 'pink Mercedes' to the 'Green Red Bull', the Silverstone-based team has received suspicious glares from up and down the Formula 1 paddock over its car design exploits. But after being cleared by the FIA over its Spanish Grand Prix updates amid a backdrop of cries of foul play, what's next in this saga?
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2022
In an unusually hectic Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc was denied a dominant performance by his Ferrari engine letting go which allowed Max Verstappen to pick up the pieces. But numerous flashpoints kept the race twisting and turning throughout, with one perfect score from an emerging contender
How Verstappen overcame his and Red Bull’s errors to win in Spain
Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari engine disaster offered an open goal for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to strike, but the reigning Formula 1 world champion still had to solve multiple errors and profit from a begrudged assist from team-mate Sergio Perez, which created an unexpectedly eventful Spanish Grand Prix
Why Red Bull can win a Spanish GP that looked perfect for Ferrari
Formula 1's return to Spain on Friday ended with Ferrari leading the way from Mercedes, while Red Bull could only manage third fastest overall courtesy of Max Verstappen. But its chances of victory are far from remote with a deeper dig into the times despite Ferrari's strong start...
The key aspects of Porsche and Audi's planned F1 entries
The VW Group’s German superpowers of sportscar racing have all but confirmed they are coming to F1 when the next set of engine rules come into force in 2026. Here's why both manufacturers are all set to take the plunge, and crucially how it might work
How Vegas went from byword for F1 indifference to grand Liberty coup
Holding a race in Las Vegas – party central, a city of dreams and decadence and, yes, more than a smattering of tackiness – has been on Liberty Media’s most-wanted list since it acquired Formula 1’s commercial rights. But, as LUKE SMITH explains, F1 has been here before and the relationship didn’t work out
Why de Vries' FP1 outing could add a new path to his current crossroads
A Formula 2 and Formula E champion, Nyck de Vries is currently considering where his future in motorsport lies. Continuing in WEC and Formula E is possible and he's also courted glances Stateside after impressing in an IndyCar test. But ahead of his Formula 1 FP1 debut with Williams, he could have another option if he impresses...