Carlos Sainz once again questioned the absence of changes to the Monaco GP qualifying format. Before this weekend’s race, the Williams driver stated that a proposal advocated by Formula 1 drivers has been ignored for several seasons.
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The suggestion is to divide Q1 into separate groups, in a model similar to that used by Formula E. For Sainz, the change would help reduce the problems caused by traffic on the Monegasque circuit: “Yes, I still don’t understand why we don’t do separate groups in Q1,” the Spaniard told the press.
“I’ve suggested it several times. It wouldn’t affect the pecking order at all if you divide it into 11 teams and 11 teams, separate teammates or something like that, and only the last three don’t make it through.”
The driver also highlighted that Q1 in Monaco ends up being influenced by factors such as traffic and flags. “I don’t understand why we don’t do it, but Q1 here is a bit of a lottery, with traffic and flags, so it can happen to anyone.”
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Asked about possible discussions with the FIA (International Automobile Federation), Sainz stated that the topic usually comes up annually, but never progresses: “No, I think it comes up every Friday at the drivers’ briefing in Monaco, but then it’s forgotten until the following year’s briefing,” he explained.
Considered one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar, Monaco strongly values qualifying performance, as overtaking during the race is usually a difficult task.
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