Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez sceptical about Formula 1 qualifying format experiments

The proposed changes aim to reduce the number of tyres used throughout the race weekend and promote sustainability. However, the drivers have expressed concerns about the impact the new format could have on the spectacle of the sport.

The first trial of the new format is set to take place at May's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The changes will see the number of Pirelli tyre sets available to each driver reduced from 13 to 11.

Drivers will also be forced to use different tyre compounds during the qualifying sessions. In Q1, they will use hard tyres, medium in Q2, and soft in Q3. If any of the sessions are declared wet, then tyre choice will be free.

Verstappen expressed his reservations about the new format, particularly the difficulty of qualifying on the harder compounds in Q1.

He highlighted the potential issues with the slower warm-up of the harder tyres, especially in colder conditions. "I hope it's not going to be cold in Imola, otherwise it's going to be quite tricky," Verstappen said. "I don't really see the benefit of it. It's better if we make sure that all the cars are close to each other and more competitive instead of spicing things up in that way, which I think is probably for the show."

Perez echoed Verstappen's thoughts, and stated that there was no need to change something that is already working well. "I think we don't need that when you see the qualifying we had [in Bahrain], how close everything was," Perez said. "But we'll see once we try it, and I don't think there's a need to change something that is working well."

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari added, "I don't feel there was a need for change, but let's try and see."

The tyre reduction will also have an impact on practice sessions, with teams likely to use just one set of soft tyres in FP2 and FP3 so they can keep two fresh sets of softs for Q3. The new format aims to promote sustainability by reducing the number of tyres used throughout the race weekend.

The F1 authorities have confirmed that the new format will be trialled at two races this year, and the success of the trials will determine whether the changes will be implemented permanently. While the aim is to promote sustainability, it remains to be seen whether the changes will have any impact on the competitiveness of the sport.