New qualifying format in Hungary: 'Gives more strategic options'

Next weekend, the Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled. At the Hungaroring, the new qualifying format will be tested for the first time. According to Pirelli boss Mario Isola, this should provide more strategic options.

The new qualifying format requires Formula 1 drivers to use a certain type of tyre in each part of qualifying. "A new tyre allocation for qualifying will be tried out for the first time, with the obligation to use just the hard in Q1, medium in Q2 and soft in Q3 if conditions stay dry. These changes, at least on paper, should lead to a wider range of options, particularly in terms of strategy," Isola said in a Pirelli press release.

Last year, many teams already opted for a two-stop in Hungary, but that has not stopped Pirelli from bringing softer tyres for this year's edition. "Usually, this race is all about strategy and tyre degradation. This year we have opted for a trio of softer compounds (C3, C4 and C5) compared to 2022 as such the air and asphalt temperatures, which are usually very high, are the main features. This puts the drivers, cars and tyres to the test."

The Pirelli boss has also revealed where the new qualifying format will be tested again. This will happen after the summer break during the Grand Prix weekend at Monza. After that weekend, the FIA, F1 and teams will decide what will happen to the format next year.