Poll Dancing: Silly qualifying, complicated F1, Lewis vs Nico and more...

Formula 1 rule makers introduced a new qualifying format for the 2016 F1 world championship season starting in Melbourne. The session ran and it will be of interest to gauge feedback from our readers.

Total Voters: 737

Our verdict: Prior to Formula 1 delivering an excellent season opening grand prix, the all new qualifying format introduced for the new season was a disaster and as a result had everyone up in arms. Our poll, which went up asap after the session on Saturday, quickly established that the whole affair was farcical. The 18 folks who thought differently... what planet are they on?
Sensibly, what turned out to be a brief experiment, was shelved by the powers that be. A total no-brainer and most agreed!

Total Voters: 512

Our Verdict: It appears that an overwhelming majority F1 fans believe that the current era of the sport is too complicated. We tend to agree that there are far too many rules and restrictions for a sport that is supposed to encompass the peak of everything in motorsport. Fernando Alonso was quick to quip that in the age of communications F1 is restricting this aspect.

Today we have steering wheels with a dozens of buttons capable of hundreds of commands and of course there is engine conservation, fuel flow limits, tyre degradation, radio censorship, lift and coast.

Decades ago F1 the steering wheel did exact that - steered the car - and the sport was all about maximum turbo boost, plus-1000 bhp, one lap wonder engines, qualy tyres, pit boards etcetera.

Sure things have become complicated nowadays, but really if you ignore all the finicky rules F1 is actually pretty basic: fastest guy in best car, who makes least mistakes wins the race while others chase hard to no avail but entertain in the process and some crash in the process - so maybe it ain't that complicated afterall, but more like what we make of it...

Total Voters: 594

Our Verdict: This question was posed pre-qualifying in Melbourne and the 60-40 outcome probably sums up the world's percentage of pessimists (60%)versus optimists (40%).

After Round 1 in Australia we are going to sit on the fence and say: Let's see what happens in Bahrain. But, super honestly, we have a sneaky suspicion that while Ferrari are full blown out there, Mercedes have in reserve to release on tap when required - but not too much at any given time so as not to spoil the 'show - yep we are with the pessimists on this one!

Total Voters: 845

If Ferrari fail to challenge Mercedes this year, then the focus will once again be on the Lewis versus Nico show. It appears the consensus on this one BEFORE the Australian Grand Prix is that the balance of power is still tilted towards the world champion. Will be interesting to gauge the sentiment now after Rosberg's triumph in Melbourne.