Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jnr advocates for a modified qualifying format in Monaco, citing the hazards of Q1 and proposing Formula 1 adopt the system used in junior series to prioritize safety.
To address the congestion on the track during Q1, the Ferrari man suggests implementing a group qualifying system similar to Formula 2 and Formula 3 at the narrow and unique Monte-Carlo circuit. In these junior categories, the field is divided into two groups that run separate sessions. The driver who sets the fastest time across both sessions secures pole position, while the remaining drivers from that session occupy odd-numbered starting positions. The drivers from the other session take even-numbered grid places.
Although this arrangement is primarily utilized in F2 and F3 due to the larger field sizes of 22 and 30 cars respectively, Carlos Sainz believes its implementation in Formula 1 is essential. Despite F1 having only 20 cars, their larger physical size and higher speeds warrant increased caution.
Following the qualifying session, Carlos Sainz expressed his concerns, stating that Q1 poses significant risks. Given the broader dimensions of the cars and other factors, he believes it is crucial to prioritize safety by adopting the qualifying format utilized in Formula 2 and Formula 3.
“We should find a way to to split into 10 cars the qualifying, one team each. I’m pretty sure that that would [alleviate] all the mess that we saw in Q1.” – the Spaniard explained.
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But some of his colleagues do not feel that change is needed. Lando Norris, who was blocked by Carlos Sainz’s Maranello team mate Charles Leclerc in in the last part of qualifying when only ten drivers are allowed on track, rejected the plan: “They don’t need to if everyone just does the job they should and gets out the way, although it didn’t happen today,” explained the British driver. “But it’s really not that difficult, honestly.”
Oscar Piastri, whose previous qualifying appearance on the streets of Monte Carlo was the split session in Formula 2, also believes that such a change is in fact not necessary: “It makes traffic much better but I think with 20 cars it’s not too bad,” he pointed out – “We even saw at the end with Lando with 10 cars on track, it’s still an issue. So I don’t mind either way, to be honest, I’m not fussed.”
Another driver supported the idea of using a group qualifying arrangement at this venue, which would be confirmed in the pre-race drivers briefing. This suggestion has not been officially discussed and evaluated for now. The FIA will take it into consideration for the upcoming seasons.
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