Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says the sport shouldn't be afraid of trialling other qualifying formats during the 2016 season, just because the previous attempt was considered a disaster.
A new qualifying format was introduced at the beginning of the season, replacing the previously used three-stage knock-out system, but it was derided for the lack of track activity and confusion it caused and was eventually dropped after just two races.
Hamilton believes change is required to mix things up from race-to-race and says the sport should use '16 to experiment with various formats.
"I just feel like they shouldn't be scared to try things," he told Autosport. "We've gone back to the same qualifying rule, which we knew we already should have done in the last race after Australia.
"I definitely think we should use this year as an opportunity to come up with some ideas and test some things which have a small implication on the race weekend.
"If the fans saw that we tried another new format and it didn't work, sure they might not like it, but they would at least know that we are trying and we are in that development phase for next year."
Hamilton added that whilst he doesn't know exactly what is needed in terms of a new format, mixing things up would benefit the sport.
"For the last 10 years it's pretty much been the same Thursday to Sunday," he said. "I love the driving, but for sure if the format was different each weekend it would be exciting for people.
"It doesn't have to be every weekend, but if you had a super race weekend or three heats, I don't know, but something different."
A number of proposals including sprint races and reverse grids are being considered for next year when the sport will undergo massive changes.
Discussion about this post