At next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 is set to introduce a new qualifying format that will undoubtedly add a fresh twist to the highly anticipated event. Working together with Pirelli, the official tire supplier for the championship, Formula 1 aims to test a groundbreaking initiative called “Alternative Tyre Allocation” (ATA), shaping the way teams strategize their qualifying runs.
Under this innovative system, teams will witness a reduction in the number of available slick tire compounds throughout the weekend, dropping from 13 to 11. These 11 compounds will be allocated as three hard, four medium, and four soft tires, allowing for calculated tire management and strategic decision-making.
During the qualifying session, teams will face restrictions on the use of particular compounds in dry conditions. In the first segment, known as Q1, teams are obliged to employ the hard compound tires. Moving into Q2, the medium compounds take center stage, while in the final segment, Q3, teams are free to unleash the gripping soft tires for their fastest laps.
In the event of wet track conditions, teams will have the liberty to choose any tire compound they desire, adding an element of unpredictability to the sessions.
Originally planned for testing during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May, the implementation of this qualifying format had to be postponed due to flooding in the region. However, the highly anticipated tweak will now come to life at the iconic Hungaroring track, captivating fans and teams alike.
Prior to the intended debut at Imola, Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola explained the rationale behind the introduction of these new regulations, envisioning a greener and more sustainable future for Formula 1. By reducing the number of dry tire sets from 13 to 11, the environmental impact associated with tire production and transportation can be effectively curbed.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will mark the first test of the ATA system, with a second trial planned for the prestigious Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September.
This new qualifying format not only promises intensified competition between teams, but it also aligns with Formula 1’s overarching goals of sustainability and reducing its ecological footprint. As race day approaches, motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly await the outcome of this revolutionary initiative, poised to witness a thrilling start to the Hungarian Grand Prix like never before.
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