Hungarian GP to showcase Formula One’s sustainable tire strategy

Formula One to experiment with 11 sets of tires instead of 13 for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Pirelli medium compound tires (Image credit: Popular Mechanics)

Formula 1 organizers are actively committed to enhancing the sport’s sustainability. One of the measures being implemented is the further reduction in the number of tire sets used during a race weekend. Originally scheduled for the Imola Grand Prix, this initiative has been rescheduled for the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix in late July.

In a typical race weekend, drivers and teams have access to 13 sets of F1 tires. However, at the Hungaroring, this number will be reduced to 11. The allocation will consist of three sets of hard tyres, four sets of mediums, and four sets of softs. The decision to implement this change in Hungary resulted in canceling the trial at the Imola Grand Prix, which was well-known due to severe weather conditions.

To streamline the process, tire compound selection for each segment of the qualifying session will be predetermined. During qualifying, teams usually can choose the tire compound from Pirelli for Q1, Q2, and Q3. However, in Hungary, a specific rule will be enforced.

FS Video

In Q1, drivers will be required to use hard tires, while mediums will be mandatory in Q2. In the final segment, Q3, drivers will be equipped with soft tires. However, if qualifying takes place in wet conditions, teams will have the freedom to choose any tire compound.

Also read: F1 teams to vote against the introduction of blanket-free Pirelli tires for 2024

Formula One’s vision for a sustainable future will take charge at next week’s race

Pirelli tires (Image credit: Formulapedia)

This setup offers the advantage of ensuring teams utilize the allocated sets of tires effectively. Currently, drivers often opt for soft tires in qualifying, with the hard tire being underutilized in qualifying and races.

Formula 1 aims to address this issue by reducing the number of tire sets and implementing prescribed tire selections during qualifying. This approach intends to minimize the number of unused tire sets, enhancing durability and sustainability.

F1 will be testing the new ATA (Alternative Tyre Allocation) Qualifying format at the #HungarianGP ??

The Qualifying format will be:
Q1 – Hard Tyres
Q2 – Medium Tyres
Q3 – Soft Tyres#F1 #Formula1 #McLaren pic.twitter.com/tqa2oAgMGa
— McLaren F1 Zone ? (@TheMcLarenZone) July 17, 2023

Originally intended for the Imola Grand Prix, the proposed set-up will debut in Hungary. Additionally, Formula 1 planned to test the mandatory tire compound prescription in qualifying at two races, with the second venue yet to be determined. If Pirelli and the teams find the trial successful, this system may be introduced for all Grand Prix events in 2024.