F1's Stupid New Qualifying Format Can't Even Be Implemented Yet
Remember the silly new qualifying format that was recently confirmed for the F1 2016 season? Well, it won’t be used in Australia. Or the following three races, for that matter.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says the new system has been delayed to the Spanish Grand Prix, round five, as the new format won’t be ready in time for the new season.
With the rule being announced and decided so close to the first round, there simply wasn’t enough time to sort the software and system out. Which begs the question, why say yes to it for 2016 anyway?
Timing is the responsibility of Formula One Management (FOM) and not the FIA, but while the rule may have been discussed for a while, confirmation only came very recently.
Ecclestone told The Independent:
“The new qualifying won’t happen because we can’t get everything together in time. It was going to come in at the start of this year but we are not going to be able to get all the software done in time.”
“So the qualifying changes will probably be in Spain. In Australia, it will be the old qualifying. All of the software has to be written so it’s not easy.”
He even went on to say he doesn’t like the new elimination-style format, where over the three sessions drivers gradually drop out of qualifying.
“It’s not what I wanted in the end. All I’m trying to do is muddle up the grid so that the guy that is quickest in qualifying doesn’t sit on pole and disappear because why should he be slow in the race if he is quick in qualifying?”
Yeah, not a great start for this bizarre new regulation and format. Surely it would have been better just to bring it in for 2017, as the current system is just fine.
Comments
How I would change F1.
Loosen up regulations on cars.
Reverse grids from qualifying.
Take current points system for races, chop numbers in half and make that a points system for qualifying.
What regulations would you loosen? Come on, be specific here.
Yeah, good reverse grid idea, lets compete and see who can be the slowest. Well done…
honestly i dont see this format going in. after each 5mins(or what was time) eliminated driver would sit at same place as in after regular qualy. it will just not allow car go on track once eliminated. wich actually play against the whole idea “more cars on track”. and if we look for this year, really dont need change. F1 might go exciting if we look at Pre-season testing. cars got more competitve and really throw a mix in top 10 point finishes.