F1 drivers call for changes to qualifying regulations

George Russell believes a change to F1's tyre regulations in qualifying "would be wise" as the current rules mean the "rich just get richer".

As the regulations stand, the top-10 driver are obliged to start a grand prix on the set of tyres used to set their fastest lap in Q2.

This often sees drivers competing on the cusp of elimination progressing on a set of soft tyres that often compromises strategy for the race, while the fastest cars progress on the medium Pirellis.

F1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn suggested the regulation could be discussed for the future, something Grand Prix Drivers' Association director Russell agrees with.

"I think that would be wise because I guess the rich would just get richer and the poor poorer when the fastest cars have the pace to get through to Q3 on a harder compound," said Russell.

"I think [when] the cars in the midfield don't have the opportunity to fight, the game is already over so I think that would just make things easier for everybody."

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly said: "I completely agree."

The Frenchman added: "We actually have been in that situation a couple of times where you don't really have the pace to make it or it is very tight and you need to go with the softer compound.

"If you do make it, you know that you are going to compromise your race.

"It just increases the gap between the top teams and the midfield when you are right on the edge of making Q3 so I obviously agree with George's comments."

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