Radical F1 qualifying change proposed for Austrian GP

Alex Albon has suggested implementing split qualifying groups at the Austrian Grand Prix to stop any traffic issues.

The Red Bull Ring is one of the shortest tracks on the calendar and contains many high-speed corners, resulting in a qualifying lap time of roughly 64 seconds.

During Q1 when all 20 cars are on the Spielberg track, traffic has been a common issue.

Albon is expecting the problem to arise once again this weekend.

“It will be,” Albon responded to media including RacingNews365. “It's always an issue here.”

Formula 2 and Formula 3 currently utilise qualifying groups in Monaco, a system F1 has not adopted.

However, Albon has highlighted his desire to see the change implemented in the series at a handful of tracks - including the Red Bull Ring.

“There are still these tracks on the calendar that I would love to see a split Q1,” he said. “It would bring a lot to the table.

“I don't think it would make the racing worse, or the show any worse. 

“We will definitely get traffic in Q1. It's a little bit of a luck of the draw.”

When asked by RacingNews365 if Monaco and Monza are the other tracks he would like to see undergo a change, Albon agreed.

But after taking a moment to reflect, he stated: “Monza is not too bad.”

However, the 29-year-old stated the change would primarily be in the interest of safety.

“I'd love to see it happen, because I think it's safer as well.”