F1 fans come up with wacky new rules as Domenicali suggests points for practice
Formula 1 fans have responded with derision after the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, suggested awarding points for practice sessions.
The format of F1 weekends has been tinkered with in recent seasons with the addition of Saturday sprint races at selected Grand Prix, which set the grid for Sunday’s main event. Three were held last year with the same number in this year’s schedule. Next year, the number of sprints race is set to double while further changes could be made to the format in future.
Domenicali has triggered a debate by suggesting awarding points for practice sessions and reverse grids in a bid to improve the show for fans, who are tuning in, in record numbers.
READ MORE: Ex-F1 champion pays Michael Masi backhanded compliment after 'new low' at Italian GP
“You have to try [to implement new ideas]. There are always many excuses not to do it. It is a life principle. Purists will always turn up their noses, but over the years, F1 has changed the way of qualifying dozens of times,” said Domenicali, reported Corriere.it.
“It is a need that cannot be postponed, to have even more show… In a normal weekend, the one consisting of free practice one and two on Friday, each session should be given away either points, or single qualifying laps, or a qualification for a different and short Saturday race, instead of the third free practice, perhaps with the mechanism of the reverse grid.
“We are putting a lot of things on the table [such as the reverse grid]. Many say no, but we have seen on some occasions the beauty of having reshuffles in the race, more overtaking. We have an obligation to try.”
While some fans are intrigued by the ideas, others have ridiculed them and come up with some whacky ideas of their own. One suggested: “Fabulous, I want points for best livery too. And coolest helmet design.”
How would you revamp the format of F1 race weekends? Tell us in the comments section below.
Matt Gallagher, a presenter for WTF1, joked: “If F1 starts awarding points for Free Practice, then we should also give out points for… – funniest press conference answer – fastest lap time on paddock scooter – best racing helmet design.”
One fan commented: “I definitely want points for biggest airtime during the race (I suspect Lando [Norris would win the point this race with his nice airtime over the sausage curb).” Another added: “Next there will be points for best dressed on the podium.”
On a more serious note, one fan suggested: “How about fastest pit time get some extra constructer points? They could also setup a system where they count the overtakes that are successful and not and the same for defending. The points are added up throughout the race and the top 5 get a graded points scale.”
READ NEXT:
- Read the latest F1 news from the Daily Star here
- Queen was 'wonderful driver' who wouldn't let F1 champion Jackie Stewart behind the wheel
- Nyck de Vries tipped to miss out on Williams drive despite stunning F1 race debut
- Keanu Reeves reveals more details about F1 documentary project with Jenson Button
- Alex Albon out of intensive care after suffering respiratory failure from surgery
Source: Read Full Article