Skip to main content

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

Recommended for you

MotoGP Dutch GP: Martin tops Aprilia 1-2-3-4 in qualifying

MotoGP
Dutch GP
MotoGP Dutch GP: Martin tops Aprilia 1-2-3-4 in qualifying

Road vs race track: Why the 2031 engine debate remains a complicated puzzle

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Road vs race track: Why the 2031 engine debate remains a complicated puzzle

Why everyone suddenly wants a piece of Alpine

Feature
Formula 1
Why everyone suddenly wants a piece of Alpine

WRC Acropolis Rally Greece: FIA investigating dangerous rock incident

WRC
Rally Greece
WRC Acropolis Rally Greece: FIA investigating dangerous rock incident

What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Austrian GP

Feature
Formula 1
Austrian GP
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Austrian GP

What's behind Red Bull's "hit-and-miss" issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade?

Formula 1
Austrian GP
What's behind Red Bull's "hit-and-miss" issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade?

The difficult questions Mercedes has to answer

Feature
Formula 1
Austrian GP
The difficult questions Mercedes has to answer

Why McLaren hasn't run its "McMacarena" wing in Austria

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Why McLaren hasn't run its "McMacarena" wing in Austria

Formula 1 to vote on hybrid qualifying format on Thursday

Formula 1 chiefs will vote on the fate of qualifying on Thursday, deciding whether or not to implement a hybrid format

This would see Q1 and Q2 continue in the new elimination-style that made its debut on Saturday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, but with minor tweaks.

GARY ANDERSON'S F1 qualifying blueprint

Q3, deemed such a disaster given the lack of action, will revert back to the old set-up to ensure audiences, both in the grandstands and at home, are kept entertained through to the last minute.

The move is a departure to what was initially determined by team principals on Sunday morning in Melbourne.

Following the apparent failure of the new system, and the wave of criticism that followed, team bosses voted to revert back to the old format - that had been in place since 2006 - in its entirety.

DIETER RENCKEN on the qualifying revamp confusion

That was to be with immediate effect from the forthcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, but keeping the door ajar for changes to be introduced from 2017 following more in-depth analysis of how, and whether, another scheme would work.

At higher levels, that has not been met with universal approval, and on reflection, and with the heat taken out of the situation, a more measured response has since been undertaken.

EDD STRAW: F1's backwards thinking is idiotic

Any change now requires unanimous approval from the F1 Commission, the 26-member panel that comprises representatives from the teams, promoters, sponsors, and tyre supplier Pirelli.

If the hybrid qualifying, which is seen as a compromise solution, fails to gain such support, then F1 will continue on with the knock-out system in its current guise.

It is anticipated, however, such unanimity will be granted, which will result in it then going forward to the World Motor Sport Council for ratification.

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley made clear he was against such a radical plan as going back to the old qualifying system, suggesting instead minor alterations should be made.

Previous article Engines could be F1's next knee-jerk victim
Next article Comment: What is the GPDA's real motive in F1 governance row?

Top Comments