The idea dates back to last year. And now it could be implemented very soon. Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali supports a plan where there are two qualifying on sprint weekends. The result of the sprint would no longer determine the starting grid for the main race. The new process could debut in Baku in four weeks.
The trigger for the possible program change was the fact that the sprint made the second free practice session not very relevant, except for the gallery and the engineers’ databases. That’s why the F1 management asked the question: Why don’t we organize two separate qualifying sessions for the sprint and the main race. The teams support the idea.
Saturday is supposed to be sprint day
And this is what the schedule would look like. As usual, Friday begins with a one-hour free practice session in which the teams can fine-tune the cars and test new technological developments. Then the starting line-up is determined according to the usual system with Q1, Q2 and Q3. However, not for the sprint, but for the main race. The fastest on Friday will automatically hold pole position.
The second qualifying session for the starting grid for the sprint, which takes place in the afternoon, then is scheduled on Saturday morning. It’s not yet clear what that should look like, because Pirelli doesn’t want to deliver more than twelve sets of tires per driver for a sprint weekend. It couldn’t be any different in Baku: “The tires are already on their way there,” explains sporting director Mario Isola.
FIA must rewrite rules
Different scenarios are discussed in order to get by with the existing tire sets. One solution would be the return of the individual time trial. This would only use one set of tires at a time. Another would be to impose medium and hard tire types to drivers, or a used set of soft. Possibly with shortened qualifying segments. Right now, Q1 is 18 minutes, Q2 is 15 minutes, and Q3 is 12 minutes. You could halve them.
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Unanimity is required for program changes. That is not the problem. It will be more difficult to adapt the regulations. Because so many areas are affected. From the procedure to the number of sets of tyres, the parc fermé, the effects on the engines and power transmission as well as timing. From FIA circles one hears: “It is feasible. If everything goes according to plan, we can hold an e-vote in two weeks.”
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