F1 to scrap qualifying format after Aus GP controversy

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton grabbed pole at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, but the elimination-style session was heavily criticised.

Some drivers failed to start flying laps in time, while there were extended periods during which there were no cars on the Albert Park track.

That led to an emergency meeting on Sunday and teams called for an immediate change, wanting to revert to the 2015 format beginning with the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 3.

"There was a meeting, with a unanimous decision taken to go back to the old format from Bahrain onwards," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Autosport.

"It needs to be ratified by the F1 Commission, but I would like to see who puts his hand up for yesterday's qualifying. It should be done in the next few days."

Mercedes' dominance continued at the season opener, with Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg qualifying first and second respectively.

Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are behind them.