F1: Reverse Grid Quali Races being Considered for 2020

The FIA have formally proposed the concept of having a reverse grid qualifying race to replace qualifying, on the 2nd weekend of double header events. 

This isn't the first time reverse grid formats have been discussed in F1, however whenever it was mentioned most teams were opposed. This time however, the majority of teams are understood to be for the idea, with only Mercedes being firmly against the idea.

The reasoning behind the idea being brought up once again is for Liberty Media and the FIA to add more interest to the second weekend of double header events, after TV companies have questioned the value of double header events.

The proposed format is to replace qualifying at the second race at the same circuit with a 30 minute reverse-championship qualifying race, for which the finishing positions will determine the grid for the Grand Prix. The usual parc ferme regulations would apply, and any grid penalties would be applied to the Grand Prix grid rather than the Qualifying Race grid.

There will be a formal vote next week to decide whether the initiative goes ahead, with the vote needing to be unanimous in agreement. This seemingly goes against the '60% rule' that the FIA introduced for major rule changes during the COVID-19 crisis, however the qualifying race idea is not considered to be an urgent priority and therefore does not fall under the 60% vote rule.

At the moment, there are only 2 definitive double headers planned for the 2020 season - the opening 2 rounds in Austria, and the planned rounds 4 and 5 in either Silverstone or Germany (depending whether the British Grand Prix is given the green light). However, there are also plans for Bahrain being a double header just before the Abu Dhabi finale, as well as the idea that cancelled fly-away races could be replaced by revisiting European circuits.

A definitive European season calendar is due to be announced on Monday 1st June.