Formula 1 will hold a revised qualifying format at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which will see drivers being forced to use Hard tyres in Q1, Mediums in Q2, and Softs in Q3. The current qualifying format allows for a free choice of tyre in all three sessions, with the fastest available tyre (Soft) typically used throughout, unless it's a wet session. RacingNews365.com understands that the change was agreed last year as part of an 'Alternative Tyre Allocation' under F1 sporting regulation 5.4 amongst four parties; Pirelli, commercial rights holder, teams and the FIA. The change will see the number of sets available to each driver reduced from 13 to 11 in a bid to reduce the amount of tyres brought to a race weekend, with plans to have six available for qualifying and five between practice sessions and the race. This means drivers will have access to three sets of Hard, four sets of Mediums and four sets of Softs during the weekend. The changes would mean that drivers who do not make it through to Q3 - thus starting outside the top 10 - would have access to an additional three sets of Softs for the race, which could be beneficial at some circuits.
Revised format to take place at 'up to two events' in 2023
The revised qualifying format will take place at "up to two events for the 2023 season only" according to the F1 sporting regulations. While the first event will take place at the race in Imola at the end of May, the next event will take place later on in the season once Pirelli and the teams have evaluated whether the change works and can be implemented as early as the 2024 season. The FIA recently revealed the 'Invitation to Tender' process for F1's tyre supply for the 2025-2027 season.
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