Hamilton: New F1 qualifying could be exciting

Lewis Hamilton admits Formula One’s qualifying shake-up could be “exciting” amid a barrage of criticism towards the new format.

On Thursday all F1 teams unanimously approved the rule change, with only the FIA to make a formal change to the 2016 Sporting Regulations before the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next week.

The new format will see the slowest drivers eliminated in intervals throughout the 16, 15 and 14 minute sessions instead of at the end, which encourages competitive lap times to be made early.

In Q3, only two drivers will be left on the track in the final 1 minute, 30 seconds of the session, meaning an end to the late bombardment of flying laps.

However, reigning world champion Hamilton has reserved judgement of the new format until the rule change comes into practice at Albert Park.

“What’s most important is how the fans feel about it,” said Hamilton. “There have been some good formats and some OK formats.

“I’ve generally enjoyed the format of the last few years. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to me right now, the changes that have been made, but don’t knock it until you try it.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Melbourne and trying it out, and maybe we’ll be surprised.

“It may be really exciting, or maybe it won’t. We’ll see.

“We’ll get there, see how it goes, and then immediately you’ll get comments from the fans as to whether it’s good or not.”