F1 News: Fernando Alonso Not Happy With FIA Over Chaotic Qualifying

Fernando Alonso criticises the F1 qualifying format, suggesting a return to the 2003 single-lap system, despite recent FIA rule changes.

Fernando Alonso has revealed that he isn't happy with the FIA's managing of the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying. This comes after the governing body made specific changes to the qualifying rules for the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Alonso believes the current three-stage qualifying format, introduced in 2006, is outdated and suggests a return to the single-lap system used in 2003.
• Despite the FIA's rule tweak for the Singapore Grand Prix, congestion issues persisted, with Max Verstappen notably cleared of impeding another driver.
• McLaren's Lando Norris provided clarity on the drivers' push to change the lap time rules, emphasising the importance of safety and finding the right track position.

In the wake of the FIA's decision to modify the regulations for the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 qualifying format. He firmly believes that the only feasible solution is a shift to a single-lap system.

During the Friday night drivers’ briefing, every driver agreed that the best move forward was to abandon the usual maximum lap time procedure. Typically, drivers are required to adhere to a set maximum time for their in- and out-laps during qualifying. Failure to do so would usually result in a punishment of some form. However, concerns arose that this restriction might adversely affect tyre preparation, coupled with the belief that the Singapore track had ample space to prevent a build-up of traffic. Of course, they were wrong, so consequently, the clause was omitted.

Yet, the congestion persisted. At the conclusion of Q1, drivers jostled for track position, a notable incident being Max Verstappen's impeding Williams rookie Logan Sargeant. This resulted in no penalty for the reigning champion. 

Alonso, representing Aston Martin, voiced his concerns to Autosport, stating:

“It is difficult to handle, I think. Whatever [the FIA] do, we will find a way to sail that kind of rule. They have a very difficult job in terms of managing traffic on street circuits.”

The Spaniard's solution? A revival of the single-lap system from 2003, where cars ran individually with just one opportunity to set a time. Alonso elaborated:

“I have said many times that there is only one way to find a solution which is single-lap qualifying. All the other solutions we can test but will never work because we will find a way. I think this qualifying format is obsolete. It has been the same for 20-25 years [sic], but the cars are not the same. We have hybrid engines, we have to charge [the battery], we have to cool the tyres, so the only way to go forward is one lap.”

Lando Norris of McLaren shed light on the drivers' collective effort to amend the lap time regulations. He explained:

“Initially, the reasoning for having it was to limit approaching speed differences, especially in Monza. They said the reason for it was not to try and sort out traffic and overtaking but to sort out people going 10km/h when you go 300km/h into the last corner. That's not a safety issue, that's just driving to find your own position. If you don't want this, you can go out five minutes earlier and get on with your lap and do it yourself. I think it was a good decision that they made, it was better for everyone.”