F1 qualifying returns … after teams block aggregate system

After more criticism of the new system last weekend, a proposal for aggregate laps was put forward by F1’s governing body – although it received a lukewarm response from team bosses and was mocked by some drivers.

“It’s time to go to the circus,” said an especially unimpressed Sebastian Vettel.

The statement from the FIA read: “At the unanimous request of the teams in a letter received today, Jean Todt, President of the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, commercial rights holder representative, accepted, in the interests of the Championship, to submit a proposal to the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council to revert to the qualifying format in force in 2015.

This proposal, if approved by the F1 governing bodies, will take effect as from the Chinese Grand Prix and will apply for the rest of the season.”

The statement added: “Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone welcomed the idea put forward by the teams to have a global assessment of the format of the weekend for 2017.”

Q1
All 22 cars
18-minute session
Slowest 6 cars knocked out & make up positions 17-22 on grid
Q2
Remaining 16 cars
15-minute session
Slowest six cars knocked out & make up positions 11-16 on grid
Q3
Remaining 10 cars
12-minute session
Final order makes up positions 1-10 on grid