Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

US GP: F1 alters qualifying for Austin with Caterham, Marussia out

Formula 1's qualifying format has been altered for the United States Grand Prix because of the absence of Caterham and Marussia

With the F1 grid reduced to 18 cars, the old format would have meant that just two cars would be eliminated from Q1 if no change had taken place.

The matter was further complicated by the fact that Sebastian Vettel is unlikely to take part in qualifying at all because of an engine penalty.

In light of the situation, and the fact that the F1 regulations do not cater for a scenario where there are only 18 cars, the Austin GP stewards met on Thursday to discuss what to do.

They agreed that the format would be changed so that four cars would be put out in Q1 and four cars would be put out in Q2, leaving Q3 as a traditional shootout between the fastest 10 drivers.

A statement issued by the stewards said: "Having regard to the principles established in the Formula 1 sporting regulations article 33.1, the stewards decide that the slowest four cars in Q1 will [be] prohibited from taking any further part in the session, and the slowest four cars in Q2 will likewise be prohibited from taking any further part in the session."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article US GP: Stewards refer Caterham, Marussia F1 teams' absence to FIA
Next article Do F1 chiefs care enough to fix crisis?

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe