Poll: just how unpopular is F1’s qualifying format?

Even by Formula One’s standards, the last few weeks have been – in organisational terms at least – more chaotic than usual.

While new measures like increasing tyre choice freedom and limiting team radio traffic appear to be working, the sport has been severely disrupted by rushed changes to the format for qualifying.

First suggested about a month before the Australian GP, ‘elimination’ qualifying was quickly approved despite concerns that it wouldn’t help improve the spectacle.

As it transpired, those fears were well founded. After fans at Albert Park were treated to the sight of a chequered flag waving at an empty circuit in the final session, the new format was panned and promises were made to drop it in time for the next race.

However, in spite of those assurances, it remains in place for this weekend’s grand prix in Bahrain.

Bizarrely, the FIA only gave teams the option of tweaking the format rather than just getting rid of it during meetings last week. Reportedly Red Bull and McLaren refused to accept anything less than reverting to the old system, and so without unanimous agreement, everyone was powerless to improve an increasingly dire situation.

It’s unlikely that organisers will make that mistake again (though on second thoughts, who knows?) should the format flop for a second time in Bahrain, especially with F1’s reputation on the line in the eyes of many.

Back in February, TG asked readers if the new format was a good idea, with 61% saying that, um, it was. Having seen it in action in Melbourne, we suspect that figure might have fallen somewhat...

But by how much? Let us know by voting below.

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