Sainz wants to see Q4 session with just one lap

Renault driver Carlos Sainz would like to see a single lap session should a Q4 be added to qualifying, as the Spaniard thinks it adds to the pressure for the drivers to squeeze the most performance out of their cars.

Reports emerged recently that F1 owners Liberty Media are entertaining the idea of a fourth session in qualifying, in which the top eight would battle out who gets pole position. While it has sparked some controversy, Sainz doesn't mind the idea, but he would want to do it on a single set of tyres, giving the drivers a window of just one lap in the session.

“I would like to see that [a Q4] but only with one set of tyres per session,” the Spaniard told Motorsport Week.

“Don’t give the drivers a second set of tyres, have to do it one time per session. I think the pressure would be higher.

“Your speciality as a driver is putting a lap together in Q1, straightaway in Q2, and not sandbagging like a lot of drivers are in Q1, and then give it all out in Q2, or give it all out in Q3.

“If you have only one chance you put a lot of beans and concentration into that one lap.”

We actually don't mind this suggestion from Sainz. It used to be the scenario for qualifying anyway, that every driver can just do one hot lap and that's it. Why not bring it back? We're sure every top team will complain, but they complain about every rule change.