Formula 1 ponders return to 'one lap' qualifying format

Formula 1 could return to a one-lap qualifying format in the future as the sport further investigates ways to improve its on-track show.

Yesterday, the FIA announced the introduction of 18-inch wheels in 2021 as well as the likely ban of tyre warmers, a move also justified by F1's ambition to spice up the competition, according to Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe.

"If [that] drives us towards tyres that have a much wider window to operate in, that could be a good thing," said Lowe;

"I know at the same time they are talking about moving qualifying perhaps to formats where there are [fewer] laps, more criticality around doing single laps.

"And again, if that’s around tyres that aren’t prepared with blankets that would drive us towards tyres with a wider window which I think would be a good thing for the sport."

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A potential move to a qualifying format made up of "one lap wonders" would likely generate a lot of discussion among the teams as well as among the fan community.

Single-lap qualifying was in force in Grand Prix racing back in 2003, but the experience proved unsuccessful and was quickly dropped.

In addition to offering limited running to drivers, the concept's fairness was also called into question when adverse weather conditions dominated a session, favouring one driver's timed run and disrupting another driver's later effort as conditions varied.

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