Formula DRIFT All-Tandem Format Change Explained (2024)

In 2024, Formula DRIFT takes a bold step forward — embracing a reimagined tandem-only format and eliminating single qualifying runs.

This historic change ensures a more dynamic and continuous competition, ensuring every moment on the track is filled with unparalleled excitement, setting the stage for the next 20 years.

Welcome to Formula DRIFT, the Official home of Formula Drift on Youtube. Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is where Action Sports meet Motorsports, and is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.

[jakehennessy]

We wanted them to stream practice now they're taking qualifying away... 😂

[kj_sh]

Format changes in any sport always come with growing pains. So I'm expecting a bit of confusion and "hiccups" to start this out, but man! I think this would be GREAT for the future of FD once it's polished up through time! The snippets from the rulebook look very verbose and well-worded, so this transition into the new format is off to a good start 👏🏽.

[ryandlg]

This really effects drivers not in the top 24... Now they'll have to compete in and win 4 battles just to get the 25th seed and go into top 32 with a beat up car...

[sikendpothead]

Not sure how I feel about this, but I'm will to give it a chance

[RPM_MEDIA]

I wanna see crazy qualifying runs. Let them do backies and wild entries and Linea all while hitting the zones. I don't like the auto lock in either. Dnq is part of motorsports. Everyone should be at risk if they can't put a run together to get in.

[tonycrispin]

Funny, my series Drift Roulette was doing this last year, now everyones ditching qualifying. Makes the show so much better, more seat time for the drivers, and more action for the fans!

[bennyb.]

This takes some weird gaming out of qualifying for sure. There's at least one incident I can think of where a driver threw qualifying in order to get a tougher 32 round, win it, and absolutely bone a championship rival points wise.

[griffengardner]

Very very cool idea. I’ve never seen it done before so I’m interested in the implications. I’m sure there will be some quandaries about wear and tear on the cars from crashes but it pushes drivers to drive cleaner without necessarily ramming the other driver. As a spectator this is very exciting.

[abdullahpatel]

Was really hoping that they changed how 3rd and 4th position is given. Would really like to see them have another run for 3rd position

[jelledevries]

And how does that work at the first event when you don’t have the top 16 or 24 drivers from a previous event?

[gummbyandpokey]

This is similar to how a tennis tournament is run. Means nothing but more competition which should be good. I'd love for you guys to run two sets of judges. So you can keep competition moving rather than downtime of waiting for judging

[dannyl]

I think it prevents some variability in bracket ranking where two top 5 driver's battle in the first round due to poor qualifying runs. I like the new format, but for the love of god, please remind Jarod he doesn't need to scream into the mic.

[TheRealMrRoyal]

Just started but really curious to hear how this is going to work for like off the rip lower power cars and small budgets are going to be at quite the disadvantage. Guess we'll see. It is the time of drastic decisions followed by massive correction reversals too far in the other direction

[ScottyBSim]

Use less tyres unless you have to go right through the qualifying 16, then right through the main event to the final... unless you just never expect anyone to do that... which leads to my next point, this definitely favours the big teams... formula drift just becoming formula one... have to be one of the big teams to win... prove me wrong...

[mozzarellabmx]

Not sure how it will pan out, hopefully works out. Personally I prefer qualifying, puts a show case on a driver without distractions and was my favourite to watch

[jasonpickens]

@formuladrift there is one potential problem with locking in more than 16 drivers especially for rookies. Drivers from last season get an unfair advantage going into round 2. Say a rookie wins the seeding bracket and is then 25th position in the main bracket. They loose to 8th position. They could end up with a 25th result leaving them in the seeding bracket again for round 2 despite having proven they are better than 26th but worse than 8th. Now if position 17th from last season automatically goes through to top 32 in round 1 and loose to 16th position they will end up still ranked 17th getting another free pass in round 2 despite only having proven they are worse than 16th position. It's only really fair to ever lock in 16 positions as they must have a top 32 win to be top 16 in round 2.

[felipebarro]

I really liked the solo laps, the new model is favoring some riders, it doesn't seem fair, the suggestion would be to use:
Double elimination
As the name suggests, in this model, for a player to be eliminated he must have two defeats, one in the main bracket and one in the consolation bracket (lower part).
Great option for maintaining high athlete engagement and keeping them at the event location for a long time, creating bonds and greater fun for those involved.

[TheClos]

Can’t wait to see how this turns out for this season!

[Je_drift]

Excited for this change and everything else that is to come with the 2024 season. Long Beach can’t come quick enough! LETS GOOO!!!!

[Rwal]

Interesting im excited to see how this goes! How does this work for Long Beach though? Does it go by previous year’s finishing order for the top 24 who are locked in and the newcomers/lower than 24 in the previous season battle it out?