The 2016 qualifying format has been killed after it proved to be a damp squib.
After heated discussions over the qualifying format for Formula 1 where the current format failed to add excitement that was perceived, outright rejection of aggregate system proposed by the governing body, the teams have finally got the 2015 qualifying format back with immediate effect from next weekend’s Chinese Gran Prix.
The aggregate system was proposed by Bernie Ecclestone (chief executive of the Formula One Group) and Jean Todt ( President of the FIA) which was opposed vehemently by the teams. All the teams unanimously sent a letter to Bernie, Jean and CVC to revert back to the 2015 format and in lieu of the stance, the decision was made. The move to change the rules will now be put forward to the F1 Commission for approval.
A statement from the FIA read: “At the unanimous request of the teams in a letter received today, Jean Todt, President of the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, commercial rights holder representative, accepted, in the interests of the Championship, to submit a proposal to the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council to revert to the qualifying format in force in 2015.
“This proposal, if approved by the F1 governing bodies, will take effect as from the Chinese Grand Prix and will apply for the rest of the season.”
The statement added: “Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone welcomed the idea put forward by the teams to have a global assessment of the format of the weekend for 2017.”
the 2016 Qualifying format was a three-stage qualifying as is currently with each session lasting 16, 15 and 14 minutes progressively which will be called Q1, Q2 and Q3 respectively. After every ninety seconds, the current slowest driver would be eliminated until only 15 remain on the grid as they see the chequered flag for Q2. Similarly, the process was repeated until each driver was eliminated with the final two battling out for the pole position in Q3.