The 2021 season of Formula One (F1) brought with it a revolutionary sprint race format, a major departure from the usual practice-qualifying-race weekend. The idea was to substitute practice with qualifying and have a short race on Saturday, with the results of the sprint race forming the grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Initially, the new sprint race format was met with enthusiasm from the drivers and the fans, but it soon became clear that this revolutionary move had its fair share of detractors. One of the biggest critics of the sprint format was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was vocal about his disdain for the format and its effects on the sport.
In response, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner made a bizarre suggestion to tackle Verstappen’s disdain for the sprint race format. Horner suggested that Verstappen should do a reverse, which would involve him starting at the back of the grid for the sprint race and then working his way up to the front.
The idea behind Horner’s suggestion was that if Verstappen was able to work his way up through the field and win the sprint race, it would make him appreciate the format more and might even get him to change his opinion about it.
The suggestion was met with a mixed reaction from the fans and the media. Some felt that it was a great idea, as it would put Verstappen’s driving skills to the test and give him an appreciation for the format. Others, however, felt that it was a bit too much and that it was taking things too far.
Regardless of the opinion of others, Verstappen decided to take up the challenge and did a reverse in the first sprint race of the season. He started at the back of the grid and was able to make his way up to the front, eventually finishing in first place. His performance was praised by all and it was clear that he had gained an appreciation for the format.
The reverse may have been a success, but it is still too early to say if it will have a lasting effect on Verstappen’s opinion of the sprint race format. However, it did show that Horner was willing to go the extra mile to get his driver to appreciate the format, and it is an idea that could be used to help other drivers who may have similar issues.
Overall, the sprint race format has been a great addition to the sport, and it has been a success in its first year. It has provided the fans with more exciting racing action and has given the drivers an opportunity to test their skills in a new environment. With the success of the reverse, it looks like the format will be here to stay for the foreseeable future.
