Ecclestone relieved: 'That would have really gone against the DNA of Formula 1'

In 2021, Formula 1 will test the format with a sprint race on Saturday during three race weekends. Under the leadership of Bernie Ecclestone this path was never taken, but the former CEO of F1 is not necessarily opposed to this plan.

At Silverstone, Monza and a yet to be named circuit, a sprint race format will be tested during the Formula 1 race weekend. This means that on Friday you get a practice session and qualifying, on Saturday another practice and a sprint race, and on Sunday the 'normal' main race. Ecclestone looks at it from the side.

''It's clear the Formula 1 bosses aren't happy with the current format, otherwise they wouldn't be trying something new. But why not? Let's just see if the fans will accept the sprint races'', says the former Formula 1 boss in conversation with the German Sport1.de.

However, Ecclestone is relieved that the format with a reversed starting grid will not be tested in a Formula One season. ''The most important thing is that the idea with the reverse start grid has been dropped. That would have really gone against the DNA of Formula 1. After all, that means the fastest car is rewarded, not punished,'' the Briton concludes.