With the no-show of Caterham and Marussia, Formula 1’s three-part qualifying has undergone a predictable amendment ahead of the US grand prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
F1 stewards have decided to eliminate the slowest four cars following the first part of qualifying leaving another four to be cut ahead of the normal final part or top 10 shootout.
The absence of embattled minnows Caterham and Marussia will see 18 cars contest the US GP.
In a brief explanation of the change the stewards said: “Having regard to the principles established in the Formula 1 sporting regulations article 33.1, the stewards decide that the slowest four cars in Q1 will [be] prohibited from taking any further part in the session, and the slowest four cars in Q2 will likewise be prohibited from taking any further part in the session.”
The situation is further compounded by the strong possibility that Sebastian Vettel is set to sit out qualifying and take an engine penalty which will see him start the race from pitlane.
If as expected Vettel does not take part then that will indeed leave the slowest three cars to be cut from the first part of qualifying.