Seidl: F1 doesn't need invitational races or gimmicks
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl says Formula 1 doesn’t need to mix up the spectacle with invitational races or gimmicks just because Mercedes is dominant.
With F1 owners Liberty Media actively pushing for trials of reverse grid qualifying races next year, some teams have also talked about the idea of shaking up the calendar with invitational races in the future too.
This has come off the back of the success of the recent Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello, with fans, teams and drivers raving about the addition of a new venue.
But Seidl says that there is no need for F1 to try anything radical, because the only factor that is hurting the spectacle at the moment is that Mercedes is too good.
He believes that 2022‘s new F1 regulations will already do enough to close up the field, so there is no need for anything extra to be thrown into the pot.
Asked about the invitational race idea, Seidl said: “Honestly, I don't see that we need it, because I also don't see that we need things like reverse grids.
“I think we have seen great races, even last year at the front when three teams with similar resources were fighting for the wins. We have seen great battles in the midfield, and I think we see great battles this year in the midfield.
“But with one team with, let's say, the big resources having made simply a sensational job compared to the other two, unfortunately that ended up this year in the dominance of Mercedes. That's the issue.
“I think in the end Mercedes worked hard to get there over the years, so they deserve also to be that dominant and to have the wins.”
Seidl reckons that a closer grid, plus the ability for 2022’s F1 cars to be able to follow each other much better, will negate the need for anything artificial to spice up the show.
“With everything that is planned from 2022 onwards. I'm very optimistic,” he said. “I’m hopeful that actually we create over the years a field that is a lot closer together, and a more level playing field.
“And also the new technical regulations should help. The racing on track and cars racing close to each other should help a lot to improve the show.
“That's the reason why I'm not a fan of introducing any artificial randomness into Formula 1 because that's for me not F1.”
Related video
Previous article
Vettel open to idea of spec-car race for F1 drivers
Next article
Sainz: Fans "can laugh as much they want" about Ferrari move
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Teams | McLaren |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
