F1 modified the format of its six dash weekends for this yr. As a substitute of the dash race setting the grid for Sunday’s principal grand prix, the dash obtained a separate qualifying session on Saturday, disconnecting it from the remainder of the weekend.
However with qualifying for the primary race on Friday and Saturday being a standalone dash day, the interrupted movement of the weekend has brought about confusion amongst followers.
It additionally hamstrung the groups because it noticed their automobiles positioned beneath parc ferme guidelines from Friday’s sole free observe session onwards.
Following suggestions from followers and groups, talks have began between F1 and its groups to provide you with a format overhaul for 2024 that can deliver the six dash weekends extra in keeping with a standard grand prix schedule.
One proposal is for qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix to return to its typical Saturday afternoon slot, with the dash race held on Saturday morning.
The dash shootout that units the grid for the dash race would then be moved to Friday afternoon following a single free observe session.
That might open the chance for parc ferme to be re-opened after the Saturday morning dash to permit groups to make set-up adjustments forward of grand prix qualifying.
Photograph by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Photos
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB19, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60, the remainder of the sphere at first of the Dash race
“We have been speaking with Stefano [Domenicali, F1 CEO],” Mercedes workforce boss Toto Wolff advised Sky Sports activities F1. “Clearly, it is his determination, however then you possibly can correlate it simpler.
“You do the dash shootout [on Friday] after which the second qualifying for the race, which might be Saturday, two o’clock is the time we all know. And it will create perhaps much less confusion.”
Aston Martin’s efficiency director Tom McCullough additionally backed the proposed adjustments after noticing that the present format is not as fan-friendly as meant.
“We clearly had the Sporting Advisory committee assembly this week and there have been discussions about tips on how to enhance how we go concerning the dash occasion,” he added.
“The dash occasion was introduced in for a cause, the followers. From a technical viewpoint, it is a headache, the automobile goes into parc ferme after one observe session and it’s troublesome. However from a business aspect and from a fan aspect, I feel there are parts which can be thrilling.
“It has been tweaked already and I feel it wants tweaking a bit extra as a result of now even my dad, who’s fairly an understander and follower of Method 1 typically says to me: ‘So simply remind me, is it qualifying on Friday for the primary race?’
“And I simply assume if someone at that degree is having questions, the followers are going to get confused. So, our job is to place an easier, higher, extra comprehensible format and nonetheless have the thrill of two races.”
Ferrari sporting director Diego Ioverno cautioned that groups have to be given sufficient time to react between a Saturday morning dash race and the next qualifying session for the grand prix.
“If you happen to transfer the dash race on Saturday morning, then you must just be sure you enable sufficient hole for groups to react for qualifying in case of issues,” he stated.
“There are additionally different choices on the desk. There may be nonetheless not a particular proposal however our goal can be as soon as that FIA and F1 resolve the format, groups should work collectively to make it good for the spectators and good for us, as a result of it is fairly difficult.”
