F1 debating four-part qualifying for 2019

Formula 1 could switch to a four-part qualifying session in 2019 which would see only the fastest eight cars fight for pole position.

F1’s owners Liberty Media and the FIA are looking at various ways to spice up grand prix weekend with qualifying in their sights.

According to reports, they are considering switching to a four-part format with four cars dropping out in Q1, Q2 and Q3.

The final eight would contest pole.

“It’s more something that’s come from F1,” said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.

“They’ve been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.

“Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.

“I personally think it’s quite a nice idea, but that’s not my decision.”

The revised format was discussed at the recent Strategy Group with the hope that it would stop the faster drivers from gambling on harder tyres in the penultimate session.

“Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise,” Whiting added.

“I can’t honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length – I think it was 10 minutes – and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.

“That’s something that needs to be looked at carefully.”

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