F1 set for new elimination-style qualifying format

Formula One racing will implement a new elimination-style qualifying format, potentially in time for the 2016 season, after it was unanimously approved by the F1 Commission following a meeting in Geneva.

The exact structure, and the date of introduction, will now be analysed and evaluated ahead of a vote by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council next week.

In a statement, the FIA confirmed that: “The new system is being evaluated for introduction, potentially as soon as the beginning of the 2016 season.”

How the proposed new qualifying format would work:

The new elimination system will retain the current idea of three separate qualifying segments to decide the grid, albeit under a changed format as set out below:

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
- Ater 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

In each session, the final elimination will occur at the chequered flag, rather than when the time is up.