Ross Brawn emphasises changes to qualifying in F1 2020 will be "experimental"
F1 News
All eyes are on Ross Brawn and Liberty Media to see if they can successfully deliver a rule and regulation overhaul in 2021. With those in charge eager to get things right, plans are in place to make some "experimental" changes during the 2020 season.
The new qualifying format includes a mini race on Saturday and then a reverse order grid for the Grand Prix on a Sunday. It is hoped that this will create a less predictable race with big teams like Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull having to fight their way through the field.
With such a big change being made, Brawn confirms discussions are ongoing about experimenting next season.
“To try to clarify the situation and avoid misunderstandings, there are discussions about experimenting in 2020 with changes to the qualifying format. I want to emphasise the word ‘experiment’ because this is what it is about – a small sample to establish the directions for the future. We are all too aware that the current qualifying format is exciting and spectacular but what is also important is to make sure that the race, the highlight of the weekend, is the best it can be," Brawn said on the Formula 1 website.
"No matter how many simulations you run, there’s no measure more accurate than the track. Formula 1, the teams and the FIA are studying the possibility of a revised format for a small number of events for next season. With stable sporting and technical regulations in place for 2020 it is the perfect time for such evaluations."
Brawn went on to clarify a formal decision hasn't been made.