Fernando Alonso suggests changing the qualifying system

The qualifying sessions are at the center of discussions in Formula 1. During the last qualification, the debates intensified. Carlos Sainz was penalized with a three-place grid drop after dangerously obstructing Pierre Gasly, preventing the French driver from advancing to Q2.

This is not the only time a driver has been penalized during qualifying. Pierre Gasly was penalized at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Pilots receive 3 penalty places per obstructed driver. A sanction that, according to some, is not sufficient and has no consequences for the drivers who were blocked.

In the press conference, the debate on qualification saw the drivers sharing their opinions and ideas. “« It’s a subject that comes up every weekend, especially on short circuits »,” stated Fernando Alonso.

For the Aston Martin driver, we should go back to a solution that was proposed between 2003 and 2005, which is the single lap qualifying. « One solution involves organizing single lap qualifying, as in the past. This would be ideal in my opinion, because there is only one car on the track. »

The Spanish driver highlighted some marketing assets : “We would have complete television coverage for this tour, for sponsors from all over the world and things like that,” continued the driver during the press conference.

The spectacle is also an advantage highlighted by the dean of the grid. This can create a bit more spectacle in case of weather changes during qualifications – you could see different cars on pole position, different names. So, I think this would be the option I prefer.

This weekend at the Red Bull Ring could once again spark controversy. The track, which is only 4.326 km long, could increase the number of drivers being obstructed by others. The question will arise doubly this weekend with the sprint race format, which will include two qualifying sessions.