February 24, 2016 – The FIA has confirmed plans to introduce a new elimination qualifying format in Formula 1 this year as part of a package to “deliver a faster, more spectacular” world championship.
The F1 Commission unanimously approved the qualifying proposal but it remains to be decided whether it will be implemented this year or next. The new structure will see drivers eliminated from qualifying at 90-second intervals during each session:
Q1:
- 16 minutes duration
- After seven minutes, slowest driver eliminated
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag when the final elimination occurs
- Seven drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2
Q2:
- 15 minutes duration
- After six minutes, slowest driver eliminated
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag when the final elimination occurs
- Seven drivers eliminated, eight progress to Q3
Q3:
- 14 minutes duration
- After five minutes, slowest driver eliminated
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag when the final elimination occurs
- Two drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds
