Toto Wolff questions the qualifying format
The qualification system implemented in Australia will be continued this weekend in Bahrain. This is likely to irritate some team directors, including Toto Wolff of Mercedes, who had requested a change after the failure of this format in Melbourne.
The new qualifying format introduced during the first Grand Prix in Australia did not have the intended effects. Designed to keep drivers out on track throughout the entire hour of qualifying, this new system quickly reached its limits, and Q3 was cut short of its final minutes with no drivers left on track once poleman Lewis Hamilton set his benchmark time.
A system that convinced no one, neither the public, the drivers, nor the team directors. And yet, the governing bodies have chosen to continue with this format for the next Grand Prix in Bahrain.
Enough to worry Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ sporting director: « This weekend, we will review the new qualifying format, as it was very disappointing during its debut in Melbourne. The teams were unanimous on this matter on Sunday in Melbourne. And our opinion was not positive. »
Despite the insistence of team bosses for a return to the old format, the FIA announced with surprise that the Melbourne system would be continued on the Sakhir track: « *We have not found the right format with this change. And I don’t see how it could be even more exciting for the fans this weekend. The sport is examining this issue and thorough reflection is needed to find intelligent measures from the position we are currently in.* » Wolff stated.
