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

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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