To Qualify Or Not To Qualify?

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, AGP. (C)

    That is the question. Formula One teams are meticulous beasts. They plan and orchestrate the most minute detail to the enth degree. They devise contingencies for all scenarios. They are able to push the scope of the rules to the limits of legality. Their problem solving and communication skills are an example for a wide range of businesses. 
    Yet cast your mind back to the last race at Abu Dhabi. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc failed to start his final qualifying run before the chequered flag. How can this happen? The Chinese GP also saw a few timed out shall we say. Also what about the Italian GP at Monza? It wasn't just Ferrari who dropped the ball, but virtually all runners. With the Alfa Romeo of Kimi Raikkonen already crashed out, of the remaining nine, seven didn't start their final lap by the chequered. What a farce! In their efforts to find clear space, each car was going too slow and backing up the car behind. No one wanted to be the first to jump. Are they that paranoid of giving their rivals an advantage by way of a slipstream or tow, that they simply prefer to shoot themselves in the foot? The drivers are meant to complete their outlaps equivalent to a safety car delta time. At Monza, they weren't even close. Several were reprimanded by the stewards. 
    With the rules changing for 2021 and the weekend format being reviewed, qualifying is one element up for discussion. Rumours of qualifying to set the grid for a Saturday sprint race to determine the grid for Sunday's GP is one option. Should they use this chance to mandate that all drivers must drive their outlaps during qualifying at a consistent speed on a par to a Virtual Safety Car lap time, ie, 40 % slower than a racing lap perhaps? This is still faster than a Safety Car lap and possibly easier to police. The paying punters at the track and at home deserve better. Qualifying reaching its peak is one of the weekend's highlights. 
    Congratulations to Mercedes F1 Team for winning an unprecedented 6 consecutive Driver's and Constructor's title double.  Kudos to Lewis Hamilton winning his 6th title. Only Schumi left to eclipse now.

    Merry Christmas to all our friends and surfers. God bless and see you in 2020. 

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