F1 boss supports hybrid elimination qualifying format

Bernie Ecclestone admits the much-maligned elimination-style qualifying format can be improved, but says he is not in favour of reverting to the old system.

Hastily devised a couple of weeks before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the knockout format was anti-climatic and led to farcical scenes in Melbourne, with Lewis Hamilton securing pole with several minutes left on the clock.

In the wake of the uproar, F1 team bosses convened an emergency meeting on the morning of the race and elected to revert to the system that had been in place since 2006. Since then a few dissenting voices have emerged to say that ditching the new qualifying format altogether after only one race is premature.

While Ecclestone readily confesses that last Saturday’s session was not a great showing for F1, the 85-year-old supremo would rather see the new format being tweaked.

“I was also confused as it was the first run and all the variables couldn't have been predicted, like how everything was decided in Q3 – we can improve it,” Ecclestone said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The teams are discussing that and they want to go back [to the old format]. If I were to give an opinion, I would say we will continue with the format from Australia.

“I am a prudent man, and new things must be tested. The new qualifying caused a bit of shock, but maybe we can salvage the good of the format.”

Ecclestone still believes an elimination-style system could spice up the show.

“I want to ensure the final result isn't taken for granted,” he added.

“I am an entrepreneur and I must sell Formula 1 to the race organisers. If fans no longer watch then I have less money to give the teams.

“I have to find the best solution and having drivers eliminated every 90 seconds could be exciting.”

It has been reported that the upcoming Barhain Grand Prix will see a hybrid system being in force, whereby the knockout principle would remain for Q1 and Q2 whereas Q3 would be run under the rules of the old format.

Scene at the Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

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