Qualifying change ratified by WMSC

Editor

Formula 1 will press ahead with plans to change the qualifying format with the elimination system coming into effect as of the season-opening Australian GP.

The World Motor Sport Council met in Geneva on Friday at which time the initial proposal for a new system was given the go-ahead.

Qualifying will remain a three-part format but drivers will be knockout during the sessions, not only at the end.

The new elimination-style format:

Q1
– 16 minutes
– After 7 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
– 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2

Q2
– 15 minutes
– After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
– 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3

Q3
– 14 minutes
– After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated
– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag
– 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds

It was also confirmed that the final elimination in each session will occur at the chequered flag – not when time is up.

As for the wording of the regulations govering the new system, that still has to be submitted to the F1 Strategy Group and F1 Commission.