Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

Let's wait for fans to judge new qualy format - Hamilton

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Formula 1's new elimination style qualifying format has inspired an overflow of comments and opinions with many pundits believing the 2016 scheme will generate more chaos than excitement.

But Lewis Hamilton, who admitted having his own reservation about the new system, is asking critics to give the format the benefit of the doubt until it has at least been tried and tested in Melbourne next week.

"What's most important is how the fans feel about it," Hamilton told Autosport.

"There have been some good formats and some OK formats. I've generally enjoyed the format of the last few years.

"That's why it doesn't make sense to me right now, the changes that have been made, but don't knock it until you try it.

"I'm looking forward to getting to Melbourne and trying it out, and maybe we'll be surprised. It may be really exciting, or maybe it won't. We'll see.

"We'll get there, see how it goes, and then immediately you'll get comments from the fans as to whether it's good or not."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.