Why Formula 1, WHY?

It seems F1 has approved a ridiculous new qualifying format which is likely to take effect in 2016.

Qualifying was one of the few things F1 had gotten right.

It made sense, it worked.

So of course, they changed it.

Blame people relentlessly complaining about wanting a better "show".  the threat of artificial reversed grids resulted in this abomination of a compromise.

Here is how it will work

Q1

-16 minutes duration;
- After 7 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.

Q2

- 15 minutes duration;
- After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.

Q3

- 14 minutes;
- After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;
- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;
- 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds.

Say goodbye to last minute hero laps, for one thing. Ayrton Senna who was electrifying finding time through a full field in qualifying must be spinning in his grave.