Team approve new F1 knock-out qualifying

Formula 1's teams unanimously approved the elimination-style qualifying rule change today.

All that is left now is for the FIA to make a formal change to the 2016 Sporting Regulations, which will need to be done before the start of the Melbourne weekend. You can find a link to the current 2016 Sporting Regulations on our Formula 1 page (top right-side)

It means F1 qualifying will switch to a knock-out style format for all three segments from Melbourne.

How qualifying works

Q1

-16 minutes duration;

– After 7 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated;

– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the checkered flag;

– 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.

Q2

– 15 minutes duration;

– After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;

– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the checkered flag;

– 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.

Q3

– 14 minutes;

– After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;

– Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the checkered flag;

– 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds.