P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alonso blasts "obsolete" F1 qualifying despite Singapore rule tweak
Following the modification of shootout regulations by the FIA for the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, drivers unanimously voted to eliminate the usual maximum lap time procedure during the Friday night drivers’ briefing. The upper time limit was typically imposed for qualifying in order to prevent unnecessary slow driving. However, drivers felt that adhering to this restriction would hinder tire preparation and believed there was ample space on the track to avoid traffic issues. Despite the elimination of this clause, there was still contention for track position at the end of Q1, with Max Verstappen being cleared of impeding another driver due to congestion. Fernando Alonso, an Aston Martin driver, suggested that the three-stage qualifying format introduced in 2006 is no longer suitable and proposed a return to the single-lap system used in 2003. Lando Norris, a McLaren driver, clarified that the lap time rules were initially implemented to limit speed differences at certain tracks and not specifically to address traffic and overtaking concerns.
Source: motorsport
