“From a promoter’s point of view I understand what they’re trying to do it,” said Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal. “There’s always a million reasons why not to do something, but I think the concept’s interesting.
“Looking at introducing over three events is reasonably responsible. Why don’t we try it? Let’s give it a go.
“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes with the key managers and sporting directors to ensure that the right regulations are in place for it and hopefully it’ll be an interesting spectacle.
“If it’s what the promoters want to do then we’re happy to support.”
The series has long mooted different ideas to spice up the show. Last season reverse races were suggested then shelved after opposition from Mercedes, with Wolff saying that it went against Mercedes’ idea of F1 being a “meritocracy”, and would alter the traditional grand prix weekend format.
“One thing is for sure, having a little race on Saturday will have a large increase in TV audiences”
Others pointed out that Mercedes would be the biggest loser from a reverse grid race, as the team most likely to start last, and that that the team has found negotiating traffic difficult on the rare occasions it started back in the pack.
Speaking in Bahrain, Wolff said that Mercedes remained a “purist” team but conceded that experimentation with the weekend format will likely have a benefit for TV figures.
“Speaking for our team and hearing the opinions of others, we’re probably more on the purist side – we appreciate the 70 year old history Grand Prix on Sunday,” he said.
“But I would agree that one thing is for sure, that by having a little race on Saturday we will have a large increase in audiences.”
Wolff has also overseen Mercedes’ motorsport activities in other series, and gave examples of when he’s witnessed weekend format experimentation have a positive impact.
