Reversed circuit races an 'interesting idea' - Leclerc

Charles Leclerc says the idea of Formula 1 tracks hosting world championship races in 2020 on reversed layouts is “interesting”.

The start of the 2020 campaign has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the opening nine races of the year called off.

F1 is currently exploring when it can get the season underway, with closed-door events in Austria and Great Britain highlighted as potential starting points.

MOREAustria could host a second, midweek grand prix | Imola offers to host 2020 F1 race if government permits

In order for a world championship to be decided, F1 will need to run at least eight races as stated by Article 5.4 of the 2020 sporting regulations. 

Leclerc has voiced his approval of races being carried out on a reverse layout - however safety protocols such as the placement of barriers and gravel traps would need to be analysed. 

"I've seen something about doing races the other way around, that would be very, very cool," Leclerc said, as quoted by ESPN. "This could be an interesting idea.

"We would definitely have to re-learn the track completely from scratch. I've done this in karting, to do one track in one way and then do it the other way."

"I think it would be very exciting to do a track like Silverstone the other way around, to arrive so quick in Becketts and then Maggotts would be very exciting."

Silverstone managing director all but ruled out having a reverse layout race at his track, as there is too little time to make the necessary changes.

"Very few circuits are built for use in both directions and Silverstone is no exception," he told Reuters. "All of the important safety aspects are designed and installed for clockwise racing.

"Whilst we have the space to be able to extend the run off areas, realistically we don't have the time, or in the current climate, the ability to do so."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • Dert38

    Posts: 377

    vettel will overtake you in that (no)

    • + 0
    • Apr 25 2020 - 12:04

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 1,706
  • Podiums 51
  • Grand Prix 175
  • Country MC
  • Date of b. Oct 16 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Monte Carlo, MC
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar