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Formula 1 is preparing for one of the biggest regulation changes in the sport’s history in 2026 that could completely change the competitive order of the grid.
The 2026 regulation changes will see brand new power units introduced to Formula 1, a new set of aerodynamic rules for designers to get their heads around and smaller, lighter cars that should theoretically encourage more overtaking.
F1 has always looked for ways to make the action more exciting, and some have been more successful than others.
The Sprint Race weekend format has taken several forms since its introduction, and while the jury is still out on how interesting they are, fans are more likely to tune into the shortened race than an extra two practice sessions.
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More Sprint Races could be on the way, while in recent seasons, more FP1 sessions for rookies have been introduced, and a point for the fastest lap of the race has been taken away.
A few years ago, another initiative was floated by F1 bosses, but Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were quick to dismiss the idea of reserve grid races being introduced to the sport.
It left both multiple world champions speechless, despite their relative success in other series.
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Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel called out the idea of Formula 1 reverse grid races
In 2019, Formula 1 floated the idea of three Grand Prix the following year, France, Belgium and Russia, replacing the normal three-part qualifying session with a reverse grid race, via Motorsport.
Drivers would line up for the shortened race in reverse championship order, and the result of this race would decide the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Hamilton said, via Motorsport, at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix, when asked about the idea: “I don’t really know what to say.
“The people that proposed that don’t really know what they are talking about.”
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Vettel added: “I think it is complete b——-, to be honest.
“I think we know that if we want to improve things, it is very clear we need to string the field more together, we need to have better racing. It is just a plaster.
“I don’t know which genius came up with it, but it is not the solution. It is completely the wrong approach.”
Leclerc, who was on pole position in Singapore, said: “I would not be happy.
“I am a lot happier to start first tomorrow, but I don’t think it is the solution for Formula 1.
“The best should win and start in the best place. And not reverse that order. I don’t think it is the solution.”
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Why reverse championship races would not work in Formula 1 after 2020 proposal
Although Formula 1 has used several different qualifying formats over the years, a reverse grid would be arguably the most controversial.
Qualifying will change again in 2026 when Cadillac join the grid, and six cars will be eliminated from Q1 and Q2, rather than the current five.
F1 has seen two-day qualifying, one-shot qualifying and one-hour qualifying in the past, but a reverse grid race would be the most chaotic.
Drivers didn’t enjoy the original Sprint Race format when the result of the shortened event on Saturday replaced qualifying, as any sort of accident would eliminate all the hard work done earlier in the weekend.
Additionally, the grid converged to such an extent in 2025 that there would be far less racing through the pack than many fans would expect.
F1 made plenty of rule changes in 2025, and more are coming next year, but the sport’s chiefs were right to listen to Hamilton and Vettel’s concerns on this one.
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