Discussions continue for the new qualifying format

Discussed for the first time last year, the project aiming to divide the qualification into four and no longer into three sequences had been ruled out. However, he resurfaced during the Bahrain Grand Prix to a possible introduction in 2020. Under the proposed format, four drivers would be eliminated in the first three qualifying sessions, leaving eight drivers to battle it out in Q4 for pole position. The project has its supporters and its detractors.

The former see it as another chance to see the top players trip over themselves since the allotted times would be shorter and would make the slightest error fatal, and tire allocation would become a headache for the stables. It is precisely this allocation which poses a problem for opponents who see it as a new advantage for the top teams who are capable of keeping the softest tires for Q4. Some bosses have also expressed fears that mid-grid teams will be tempted to use all their new tires just to reach Q4.

" At first glance, I'm afraid we're a little short on tires, note thus Christian Horner Main team of Red Bull Racing. We have to be careful about what we really don't want, that is to say Q4s with cars that stay in the garage due to lack of tires! We are open to all ideas, but you have to be sure it is for the best. Change for the sake of change means nothing. »

Less reserved than the British, Mattia binotto conversely believes that this new rule can be introduced without creating undesirable side effects. “We have already started the simulations, indicates the head of Sports Management of Ferrari. This is something we are working on. We also discussed it in London (meeting of March 26. Editor’s note), and we talked about it again in Bahrain.

We are positive about its application as long as the simulation is well done and we are sure not to create new problems. We are now waiting for the final wording and then we will review it. »