To address the issue of teams employing clever tyre strategies that involved using intermediate tyres in dry sessions, the FIA has made a crucial change to the rules.
Initially, the regulations stipulated that drivers must use new medium tyres in Saturday’s SQ1 and SQ2 sessions, followed by new soft tyres in SQ3.
However, teams discovered that they could use up all their soft tyres before the sprint qualifying session if they believed those tyres would be more advantageous earlier in the weekend, such as during FP1 or Friday’s qualifying session for the grand prix.
During the Baku event, Yuki Tsunoda and Lando Norris utilized all their soft tyres prior to the sprint qualifying session. Tsunoda, unfortunately, did not make it to SQ3, while Norris did. McLaren had left open the possibility for him to run on intermediates, as per the rules, in case two drivers in a similar situation reached SQ3. However, Norris didn’t need to make a run, so he stayed in the garage and secured a 10th place qualifying position.
The prospect of employing intermediate tyres in dry conditions was considered farcical by many in the paddock, prompting a necessary adjustment.
The revised rules now permit drivers to use any set of soft tyres in SQ3. This means that drivers can still take risks by using up all their new soft tyres before sprint qualifying, knowing that they can at least participate in SQ3 even with used soft tyres.
The opportunity for such a modification arose due to Article 1.4 of the 2023 regulations, which granted the FIA the authority to easily adjust the new sprint rules by August 1 following the initial implementations in Azerbaijan, Austria, and Belgium.
The criteria for making changes included addressing unintended issues arising from the modifications to the sporting regulations approved by the WMSC in April 2023, with the sole aim of ensuring sporting fairness or avoiding organizational problems.
Additionally, the change required the agreement of eight teams, and in this instance, all teams except one supported the modification.
In his pre-event notes for the upcoming race at the Red Bull Ring, F1 race director Niels Wittich stated, “To prevent the recognized unintended consequence of making it tempting to use intermediate tyres on a dry track in certain sprint events, an amendment is made to Article 30.5.h of the Formula 1 sporting regulations.”
“Consultations have taken place with the commercial rights holder, stewards, and teams, and the agreement of the FIA, commercial rights holder, and nine competitors has been obtained in accordance with Article 1.4.”
“Consequently, my decision is to modify Article 30.5.h) iv) as follows – Article 30.5h iv revised wording: ‘During the SQ3 period of the sprint shootout, up to one set of dry-weather tyres may be used, specifically the soft specification.'”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about sprint qualifying tyre rules
What change has been made to the F1 sprint qualifying tyre rules?
The FIA has modified the F1 sprint qualifying tyre rules to prevent teams from using intermediate tyres in dry sessions.
Why were teams using intermediate tyres in dry sessions?
Teams realized that they could save new soft tyres for earlier sessions in the weekend if they believed it would be more advantageous. This led to some teams using up all their soft tyres before the sprint qualifying session.
Why was the use of intermediate tyres in dry sessions seen as farcical?
Using intermediate tyres in dry sessions was considered farcical because it went against the expected norm and disrupted the fairness of the competition.
What is the new rule regarding tyre usage in SQ3?
The revised rule allows drivers to use any set of soft tyres in SQ3, even if they have already used them before in earlier sessions. This provides some flexibility while still ensuring fair competition.
What is the reason for the FIA’s modification to the rules?
The FIA made the change to address unintended consequences and to ensure sporting fairness, as stated in the regulations. The aim was to prevent the use of intermediate tyres on a dry track in certain sprint events.
How was the modification to the rules approved?
Under Article 1.4 of the 2023 regulations, the FIA had the authority to make adjustments to the sprint rules. The change required agreement from eight teams, and all but one team supported the modification. Consultations were held with the commercial rights holder, stewards, and teams before the change was made.
More about sprint qualifying tyre rules
- FIA tweaks F1 sprint qualifying tyre rules to avoid inters farce
- F1 teams block FIA’s attempt to close sprint race tyre loophole
- How teams are trying to unpick the good intent of F1’s new rules era
- Red Bull’s downwash sidepods not why it is dominating F1, says Allison
