After hours of discussion in Geneva between team bosses and F1 chiefs regarding future ideas, sources have revealed that some proposals gained support.

One of them is for an elimination style of qualifying, where the slowest car at certain segments is eliminated.

Although details of the new qualifying format have not been set in stone, sources have revealed that an outline agreement is in place for the system.

The rule change idea still needs approval by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council next month, but it is understood that the plan is to have it come in as early as this year.

The concept will now be looked at in detail by sporting directors - which could expose previously unforeseen problems that make it unworkable.

One team insider did suggest, however, that the change to the format would not actually be that big a revolution as it sounds.

"I'm currently struggling to see how this changes how we operate as the tyres are generally only good for one hard lap," he said. "So we won't be driving around on sub-optimal tyres."

How it works

An outline proposal for the elimination qualifying was discussed.

Q1

-16 minutes duration;

- After 7 minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated;

- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;

- 7 drivers eliminated, 15 progress to Q2.

Q2

- 15 minutes duration;

- After 6 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;

- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;

- 7 drivers eliminated, 8 progress to Q3.

Q3

- 14 minutes;

- After 5 minutes, slowest driver eliminated;

- Slowest driver eliminated every 1 minute 30 seconds thereafter until the chequered flag;

- 2 drivers left in final 1 minute 30 seconds.

Time ballast