F1 could introduce four-part qualifying format in 2019
- Published on 23 Sep 2018 12:08
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Formula 1's qualifying format could be changed for the 2019 season, according to Auto Motor und Sport. The new regulations may see an additional session added to the current three stages.
Currently, the five slowest drivers drop out at the end of Q1, before a further five drop out at the end of Q2. This leaves ten drivers to fight in Q3, as the grid positions from P10 to P1 are filled.
However, according to the proposed changes, a 'Q4' session will be added. Four drivers would drop out after the first three sessions before a top eight shootout occurs in Q4. The objective is to add more tension and excitement to the running on Saturday afternoon.
Formula 1 last changed its qualifying format for the 2016 season. However the format caused heavy confusion and proved to be anti-climatic, causing the rules to be scrapped after just two rounds.
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Replies (11)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Is it enough of a change to really add to anything though? It sounds like we'll just have 4 shorter sessions, and Im not sure if thats an improvement.
Freguz
Posts: 160
Please don't fix what ain't broken. The saturday quali works really well in F1. Let it be.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Speaking words of wisdom: let it be.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Just stop with this "let's change the rules" crap !
xoya
Posts: 583
As far as I am concerned, I would introduce super-pole. In my opinion, it would be much more exciting and it would bring better racing since the grid would be mixed up.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
How would that system work?
xoya
Posts: 583
I was thinking of superpole in SuperBike but the system from formula E looks interesting as well.
Either way, I have nothing against the current system but if they were to change it, there are way better systems than the one they are interested in implementing.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Great idea. Let's drag things out by making three seasons uninteresting rather than the current model of just two.
If they want to make something interesting, just let each driver go for one lap. No room for errors. Make a mistake and you're way down the grid regardless of what car you're in. The current format allows the top teams to cruise for two sessions (three in the new proposal) and then gives them two or even three chances to get up near the top of the grid in Q3. Why do people support a system that so clearly favors the top teams in never starting out of position if not for penalties?
Bhurt
Posts: 320
sessions* ^^
But seriously, I can't stand seeing Vettel or Hamilton have a lock up in qualifying only to just lift off and have another go. There's no pressure on drivers to get it exactly right on one lap as they can just reset and go again if it's not right. Stupid system.
Not to mention if a top team wants to start on a harder compound they can almost always get through Q2 with ease, then mount the softest tyre and try for pole. Stupid.
If they want to start on a harder compound, go right ahead. But in a one-lap qualifying format they would do so at the expense of grid position, which would allow weaker teams to outqualify them and we would get a least a couple of laps of racing.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Or, if people insist on having three sessions in qualifying, how about making them NOT favor the top teams?
In Q1, there are 10 cars on track. These cars are the ones placed 11th - 20th in the standings. The five slowest are eliminated, the five fastest advance to Q2.
In Q2, the five cars who advanced from Q1 will face off against cars ranked 6th to 10th in the championship. So again, you have 10 cars on the track, the five fastest advance to Q3.
In Q3, the five cars who advanced from Q2 will face off against the top 5 cars in the standings. 10 cars on the track, fastest car gets pole.
So the top teams would be guaranteed a spot in the top 10 unless they have penalties (much like today), but they would only get one run in qualifying where as the cars who reach Q3 from earlier sessions will have had one or two runs already coming into Q3.
One lap per car per session. The top drivers would have some real pressure on them to nail a lap in one go while drivers advancing from Q2 will have already had a run giving them a feel for the track and all the other benefits that come with that. Q3 should be at least a bit more competitive.
That would be an interesting format.
f1ski
Posts: 726
pole doesn't matter for ferrari or mercedes as they seem to be able to run thru the field
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