Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Formula 1 needs to trial its “interesting” sprint race experiment in 2021 despit𓆏e the controversy it will creat♚e.

F1 is currently working to establish a new format to introduce at three rounds during the 2021 season in a bidꦯ to spice up the show and create added entertainment as part of an evaluation process of possible future changes.

Under the proposal, qualifying would move back to a Friday slot and replace FP2, before a short sprint race takes place on Saturday to determine❀ the grid for Sunday’s main grand prix.

The plan was discussed during the most recent meet🀅ing of the F1 Commission and teams are largely understood to be in favour of trialing the idea 𓄧at select events this year.

Wolff was firmly🌠 against F1’s previous reverse grid prop👍osal which ultimately failed to get off the ground after three unsuccessful attempts because he believed it would create fake results.

“Reverse grids have no place in any sport that is 🐷based on measuring and competing in the true sense of sport,” Wolff said during Mercedes’ launch of its W12 chaཧllenger on Tuesday.

“We are entertainment but the moment👍 it slides to show and Hollywood you will lose a lot of credibility as a sport overall. So not every decision that aims to increase the entertainment factor is right for Formula 1.

“It alway🐓s needs to be balanced between the DNA of true sports – best man and best machine wins – and what the fans like to see.”

But Wolff backs F1’s latest idea and𒈔 reckons the sport could benefit from introducing extra races to the weekend schedule, citing the DTM’s success at attracting larger TV audiences.

“The sprint races are an interesting format in my opinion and an experiment that I believe we n💮eed to do,” he adꦡded.

“I have seen in other racing series in DTM that the aud🎀iences almost doubled with having a Saturday and Sunday race and that can be monetised.

“I think if 𝄹we were to do this without some interference to cre🗹ate a fake show, then there is merit to try it.”

Wolff accepted that the revised format will🍸 “create controversy”, but feels now is a good time🀅 to experiment ahead of F1’s new era of sweeping regulations in 2022.

“I’m not sure we will like the outcome, because qualifying as we have it today is a real qualifying and a sprint race a🔯lways bears the risk of damage which can be costly and a huge 💖impact on Sunday’s grid and the ability to perform,” he explained.

“For 💮sure it is going to create controversy too, bu🔥t giving it a try for three races in 2021 in the right framework, we will be up for it.”