Vettel and Hamilton slam reversed grid idea for F1 as "bull****"

There are currently ongoing discussions between the teams and F1 owner Liberty Media about trialling a few reversed grid qualifying races in 2020, but the Ferrari and Mercedes drivers hit out at the idea following qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.

"I don't really know what to say," said Hamilton when asked for his views on the concept.

"The people that proposed that don't really know what they are talking about."

Vettel was even stronger in his criticism - as he feels that gimmick ideas such as reverse grids are not the kind of solution that F1 needs.

"It is complete bullshit to be honest," he said.

"I think we know that if we want to improve things it is very clear [that] we need to string the field more together - we need to have better racing. [Reversed grids] is just a plaster.

"I don't know which genius came up with it, but it is not the solution. It is completely the wrong approach."

Charles Leclerc, who beat Hamilton and Vettel to pole in Singapire, was also distinctly unimpressed at the idea of the fastest drivers being forced to start from the back of the grid at some races.

"I would not be happy," he said. "I am a lot happier to start first tomorrow but I don't think it is the solution for Formula 1.

"The best should win and start in the best place. And not reverse that order. I don't think it is the solution."

The comments from the leading drivers follow Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat labelling the idea of reverse grids as a "band aid" for F1's real problems.