Sainz calls for split Q1 qualifying in Monaco

Carlos Sainz believes F1 should follow in Monaco the alternate qualifying procedure adopted by F2 and F3 and split its first qualifying segment into two groups to avoid congestion and impeding issues.

While Saturday's shootout offered fans a thrilling experience, with a four-way battle for pole in the closing minutes of the session, Q1 resembled a chaotic vehicule logjam at times.

Sainz reckons that splitting the field into two groups would go a long way towards easing the chaos out on the track.

"Q1 is too much," said Sainz. "And I think with these wide cars and everything it’s too dangerous, and we should find a way to split into 10 cars the qualifying.

"One team each, and I’m pretty sure that that would facilitate all the mess that we saw in Q1."

• Read also: Three-place grid penalty for Leclerc for Norris block!

Sainz concluded qualifying fifth fastest but the Spaniard will line up fourth on Sunday's grid following the three-place grid penalty handed to his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc for impeding McLaren's Lando Norris in Q3.

Despite Monaco's limited overtaking opportunities, Sainz believes a flawless race can carry him on to the podium.

"I think we have a strong chance of getting ourselves back on the podium if we execute a good race,” he said.

"But at the same time we need think that it’s going to be a long one, that we haven’t done a good job on Saturday, and that we’ll probably pay the price tomorrow because we’re too far behind.

"So, not happy about today, we should’ve been starting further up. With a clean lap or with a, let’s say, less distracting lap or with a cleaner-air lap."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter