Alonso blasts “out of date” F1 qualifying regardless of Singapore rule tweak

His feedback observe the FIA modifying the shootout laws particularly for the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.

Within the Friday evening drivers’ briefing, Autosport understands that the grid voted unanimously to scrap the same old most lap time process.

Usually, an higher time restrict is imposed for an in- and out-lap in qualifying that drivers should respect or else be thought-about to have gone “unnecessarily slowly”.

However amid the sensation that, on this event, having to maintain inside this restriction would hurt tyre preparation whereas believing there was house on the monitor to keep away from visitors points, the drivers pushed for this clause to be dropped.

Nevertheless, on the finish of Q1, there was nonetheless a scrap for monitor place – with Max Verstappen notably cleared of impeding Williams rookie Logan Sargeant on the grounds that there was nowhere for the Purple Bull driver to go amid the congestion.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso stated this reveals the entire three-stage qualifying format is now not match for function, it having first been launched for 2006.

Claiming drivers will proceed to make life troublesome for the FIA by pushing the principles regardless, the two-time world champion reckoned: “It’s troublesome to deal with, I feel.

“No matter [the FIA] do, we’ll discover a method to sail that form of rule.

“They’ve a really troublesome job by way of managing visitors on road circuits.”

Alonso subsequently proposed a single-lap system – as utilized in 2003 – whereby vehicles run individually with just one shot at setting a time. The 42-year-old reckoned this was the one potential means ahead.

The Spaniard continued: “I’ve stated many instances that there’s just one method to discover a answer which is single-lap qualifying.

“All the opposite options we are able to take a look at however won’t ever work as a result of we’ll discover a means.

“I feel this qualifying format is out of date. It has been the identical for 20-25 years [sic], however the vehicles usually are not the identical.

“We now have hybrid engines, now we have to cost [the battery], now we have to chill the tyres, so the one method to go ahead is one lap.”

McLaren driver Lando Norris clarified the drivers’ efforts to alter the lap time guidelines, saying: “Initially, the reasoning for having it was to restrict approaching velocity variations, particularly in Monza.

“They stated the rationale for it was to not attempt to type out visitors and overtaking however to type out folks going 10km/h whenever you go 300km/h into the final nook.

“That is not a security situation, that is simply driving to seek out your individual place. If you do not need this, you possibly can exit 5 minutes earlier and get on along with your lap and do it your self.

“I feel it was a very good resolution that they made, it was higher for everybody.”

Extra reporting by Adam Cooper