F1 modified the format of its six dash weekends for this yr. As a substitute of the dash race setting the grid for Sunday’s predominant grand prix, the dash obtained a separate qualifying session on Saturday, disconnecting it from the remainder of the weekend.
However with qualifying for the primary race on Friday and Saturday being a standalone dash day, the interrupted stream of the weekend has brought about confusion amongst followers.
It additionally hamstrung the groups because it noticed their vehicles positioned below parc ferme guidelines from Friday’s sole free follow session onwards, a degree teams are pushing to relax.
Following suggestions from followers and groups, talks have began between F1 and its groups to give you a format overhaul for 2024 that may convey the six dash weekends extra in step with a conventional grand prix schedule.
One proposal is for qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix to return to its typical Saturday afternoon slot, with the dash race held on Saturday morning.
The dash shootout that units the grid for the dash race would then be moved to Friday afternoon following a single free follow session.
That might open the chance for parc ferme to be re-opened after the Saturday morning dash to permit groups to make set-up modifications forward of grand prix qualifying.
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60, Alex Albon, Williams FW45, Logan Sargeant, Williams FW45
“We have been speaking with Stefano [Domenicali, F1 CEO],” Mercedes crew boss Toto Wolff advised Sky Sports activities F1. “Clearly, it is his determination, however then you’ll be able to correlate it simpler.
“You do the dash shootout [on Friday] after which the second qualifying for the race, which might be Saturday, two o’clock is the time we all know. And it could create possibly much less confusion.”
Aston Martin’s efficiency director Tom McCullough additionally backed the proposed modifications after noticing that the present format is not as fan-friendly as meant.
“We clearly had the Sporting Advisory committee assembly this week and there have been discussions about learn how to enhance how we go concerning the dash occasion,” he added.
“The dash occasion was introduced in for a motive, the followers. From a technical viewpoint, it is a headache, the automotive goes into parc ferme after one follow session and it’s tough. However from a business aspect and from a fan aspect, I believe there are parts which might be thrilling.
“It has been tweaked already and I believe it wants tweaking a bit extra as a result of now even my dad, who’s fairly an understander and follower of Components 1 generally says to me: ‘So simply remind me, is it qualifying on Friday for the primary race?’
“And I simply suppose if someone at that degree is having questions, the followers are going to get confused. So, our job is to place a less complicated, higher, extra comprehensible format and nonetheless have the thrill of two races.”
Photograph by: Erik Junius
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing RB19
Ferrari sporting director Diego Ioverno cautioned that groups should be given sufficient time to react between a Saturday morning dash race and the next qualifying session for the grand prix.
“Should you transfer the dash race on Saturday morning, then it’s important to just be sure you permit sufficient hole for groups to react for qualifying in case of issues,” he mentioned.
“There are additionally different choices on the desk. There’s nonetheless not a particular proposal however our goal might be as soon as that FIA and F1 resolve the format, groups should work collectively to make it good for the spectators and good for us, as a result of it is fairly tough.”