Formula 1 drivers lukewarm over elimination qualifying plan

Formula 1's qualifying revamp met a lukewarm response from drivers, with Daniel Ricciardo suggesting other areas of the championship need attention first

The slowest driver will be eliminated after a number of time intervals in the revised system for 2016 as part of an effort to improve the show for fans.

But when asked if he felt there are bigger problems to fix in F1, Ricciardo said: "Yeah I think so.

"There is no limit on how many things they can change, but if you were prioritising there are other things which would come first for sure.

"Qualifying was good, but if it means more cars out on track, at least at the start, then maybe that's OK.

"Without looking into 'how's that going to work or what if it rains?', the ins and outs, it seems fine. I don't know how much it's going to change.

"It might put a little bit more pressure on us to execute the lap early in the session because after five minutes or something they're going to start ticking them off.

"You've got to not only execute the lap but set yourself up in traffic well, so there might be a little bit more precision involved rather than pick your moment in 15 minutes.

"We'll all get used to it."

Lewis Hamilton agrees with Ricciardo's uncertainty but hopes the plan will pay off for fans.

"I don't really feel like it's going to change much to be honest with you, but I hope it's a surprise for us all," he said.

"Generally the format is the same, but it just puts more focus on ensuring you get your laps in, and it keeps people out, making sure they are out all the time.

"Hopefully it will be good for spectators maybe."

With the finer details of the new qualifying format have yet to be agreed, Nico Rosberg hopes F1's bosses don't overcomplicate it.

"I hope it stays simple, that's important, and maybe is a bit more exciting during in qualifying," he said.

"Instead of it always being at the very end, the result coming up, step by step with people dropping out, it will be good."

Carlos Sainz Jr's main concern is that it may be complicated for the general sports fan when they tune in.

"I read them very briefly and I didn't understand them," he said. "If it makes things more spectacular then it's welcome.

"I just hope that the fans that are not big fans of Formula 1 and just turn on their TV on Sunday understand it and they know what's happening.

"That's maybe my only worry because if I didn't understand it at first glance then maybe that means it's a bit complicated."