Sainz calls for a specific qualifying format for Monaco
The Ferrari driver wants to change the qualifications in Monaco in order to avoid too much traffic on the track, as happened during this 2023 edition.
One of the peculiarities of the Monaco circuit is the narrowness of its track. During the race, overtaking remains very complicated, while in qualifying, drivers must avoid traffic at all costs to achieve the perfect lap.
This 2023 edition is no exception. The author of the third fastest time in Q3, Charles Leclerc, was penalized three places for obstructing Lando Norris in the tunnel. Not penalized for a similar maneuver on his teammate, Carlos Sainz called for a change in the qualifying format, specifically for the Monaco event.
« Q1 is too much. With these wide cars, it’s too dangerous. We should find a way to separate the drivers into two groups with one driver from each team in each group. I’m sure that would avoid all the mess we experience in Q1.
Sainz specifically refers here to the qualifying sessions of Formula 2 and Formula 3. With 22 and 30 cars competing respectively, both promotion formulas have a special qualifying format for Monaco.
Not everyone, however, agrees with the Ferrari driver’s proposal. His former teammate at McLaren, Lando Norris, does not believe that the format should be modified: “There is no need for change if everyone does their job and moves aside when needed. It’s not very difficult, honestly.”
For now, at least, it is not planned for the qualifying session of the Monaco Grand Prix to change for future editions.
