Formula 1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn insists the reverse grids proposal is “still on the table” for next year despite its use being rejected for the delayed 2020 season.

Plans to experiment with a reverse grid sprint race to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix was put forward to teams to be used at double-header events.

However, the idea failed to gain unity with Mercedes voting against it, stating it wasn’t keen on implementing “gimmicks” to make racing more exciting.

But although a tweak to the traditional format was blocked, Brawn revealed reverse grids may still be forced through for 2021.

“Reverse grid races are still on the table for next year,” said Brawn, speaking to the official F1 website.

The heavily-revised 2020 calendar has begun to take shape with the opening eight races already confirmed, but F1 is in talks with a variety of promoters as it aims to increase the number of rounds.

Bahrain is expected to be named on the schedule ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and Brawn revealed there is the possibility for the circuit to host two races on separate track configurations.

“One of the nice attractions of Bahrain is it has many configurations, so we could go to Bahrain and race on two different tracks there,” said Brawn. 

“There’s a nice sort of almost oval track that would be quite exciting, and all the layouts have a Grade 1 licence with the FIA, so that is an option in the pocket.

“Using two configurations involves quite a lot of work for the riggers – for example the timing needs setting up for two tracks so you need plenty of notice. That’s something we have to take into account.”