Italian GP qualifying format change explained

Formula 1 will run the Alternate Tyre Allocation qualifying format for the second time this year at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

F1’s tyre supplier Pirelli will bring the C3, C4 and C5 tyres to the event, the softest allocation in its range.

However, each driver will have just 11 sets of tyres for the entire weekend, rather than the traditional 13, following the initial trial of the alternate format at the Hungarian Grand Prix as part Pirelli’s plan to improve sustainability.

Every driver has been allocated three sets of Hards [C3], four sets of Mediums [C4] and another four sets of the Soft [C5] compound.

With the first fully dry race weekend for some time expected this weekend, drivers are not expected to use the Intermediate or Wet tyres come qualifying.

Should this be the case, each segment of qualifying will have dedicated compounds - Hard tyres must be used in Q1, Mediums for Q2 while Softs are mandatory for the Q3 session.

The format was criticised by some drivers in Hungary, including World Championship leader Max Verstappen, who suggested they were “super limited” with their runs throughout the weekend to not use up their allocation early.

Wider strategic option

Pirelli’s Head of F1 Mario Isola said ahead of the weekend: “As usual, the European Formula 1 season draws to a close in Monza: which is also Pirelli’s home event as our headquarters are just a few kilometres away from this iconic circuit.

“Monza is synonymous with speed, as its nickname of the ‘Temple of Speed’ capably demonstrates.

“To this day, it’s where the fastest race in the history of Formula 1 was held, with Michael Schumacher setting an unbeaten average race speed of 247.585kph back in 2003.

“After Hungary, Monza will be the second time that the Alternative Tyre Allocation (ATA) is trialled, which uses two fewer sets of tyres than the standard format.

“This offers a benefit in terms of CO2 saved both during production and transport, as well as giving teams and drivers a wider range of strategic option.

“For this reason as well, we have chosen the trio of softest compounds for Monza – C3, C4, and C5 – which has already been nominated five times this season.”