Toto Wolff doesn’t expect qualifying to be any better in Bahrain

Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff predicts Formula 1's new qualifying format will once again disappoint fans in Bahrain, after it was given a second chance following an F1 Commission meeting to vote on whether it should be scrapped or tweaked.

The elimination-format received widespread condemnation after it caused confusion and saw pole position decided several minutes before the end of the session.

Team bosses agreed on Sunday morning ahead of the Australian Grand Prix to scrap it and revert to the old format, but that decision failed to pass a second vote and the system will remain in place this weekend before a further review next week.

Wolff reaffirmed his criticism of the format and fears it won't be any better this weekend.

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"This weekend we will see the new qualifying system continue after a less-than-impressive debut in Australia," said the Austrian.

"The teams were unanimous in their opinion of it on Sunday in Melbourne and it wasn't a positive opinion," he added. "We haven't found the right format with this change and it's hard to see how it might be more entertaining for the fans this weekend in Bahrain.

"The sport is under scrutiny on this matter, so careful thought is required in order to make coordinated, intelligent steps forward from the position we are in right now.

"The fans want close racing, in a format they can understand, between the best drivers and cars in the world – in that order. We should be capable of delivering that to the people in the grandstands and watching around the world."