Capito cautions F1 against sacrificing its authenticity for the sake of spectacle.

      27 September 2025 - 13:49 Former Williams team principal Jost Capito has cautioned Formula 1 against overstepping with proposals to incorporate additional entertainment-focused elements. With Liberty Media advocating for an increase in sprint races beyond 2026 and even suggesting ideas such as shorter grand prix distances or reversed grids, Capito told Sky Deutschland that it’s essential to safeguard the sport's fundamental identity.

      "I believe the sport is in a strong position. Caution is necessary regarding further advancements,” he remarked. “It’s genuinely one of the few motorsports without a balance of performance, where the best actually wins and isn’t hindered. To me, that’s true motorsport, and it must be preserved in F1."

      Capito acknowledged that a limited trial of reversed-grid sprints could be worth exploring. "We might be able to discuss a reverse grid there. Whether it involves a complete reverse grid is yet to be determined," he noted. However, he emphasized that the essence of F1 should remain intact. "If the fastest driver triumphs in every race, then they should win every race. That’s the reality, and I believe that’s what the fans want.

      "The fans want to witness the best winning, not an artificial scenario where anyone can succeed just for marketing purposes."

      McLaren CEO Zak Brown also shared his thoughts on the matter, stating to La Gazzetta dello Sport that F1 needs to find a careful balance between the sporting aspect and entertainment. "I’ve always found it puzzling that some individuals do not see the two as interconnected," the American expressed. "Anything for which you purchase a ticket and take a seat to watch is entertainment, whether it’s a film, fireworks, a rock concert, or a Formula 1 grand prix."

      Nonetheless, he agreed that there should be boundaries. "For instance, introducing a fabricated safety car to bunch up the field isn’t something I support," Brown explained. "I don’t want anything that undermines the integrity of the sport. Yet, entertainment shouldn’t detract from what we do if it respects the sporting essence.”