Pirelli wants qualifying rule tweak to stop teams not running to save tyres
Pirelli is to make a push to change Formula 1's qualifying rules to prevent drivers from being tempted to not run in qualifying in a bid to save tyres, AUTOSPORT can reveal
With drivers limited to just six sets of tyres for qualifying and the race, there have been occasions where drivers have limited their running on Saturday to ensure that they keep fresh sets of rubber for Sunday.
But amid fears that there could be circumstances where drivers choose not to do any running at all in Q3, Pirelli has asked the teams to consider modifying the rules.
"We are talking with the teams about the regulations," Pirelli's director of motorsport Paul Hembery said. "At the moment if you don't set a time, for example in Q3, then you are able to choose the tyres that you start on. It means people could be saving a set of tyres because then they would be better off in the race.
"I've made a suggestion to put to the Sporting Working Group to say that actually in those circumstances, you should be made to use your Q2 tyres in that situation, so there is no advantage from not setting a time."
Hembery said the matter had been discussed in the Formula 1 Commission meeting earlier this week, and that it was now likely to go through the Sporting Working Group for an official vote.
"From the meeting I was at, they felt it was a very good idea and it would get rid of anyone messing around like that," he said.
"If you have problems and don't go out and qualify, you will still start on a set of tyres that have done an out-lap, set a time and an in-lap, so they will be in the same condition as everyone else. That is the fairest sporting way, so hopefully they will adopt that."
When asked if he thought the matter would get the approval of the teams, Hembery said: "Certainly from the team principals' point of view they were in favour of that, because we saw one example of that when Michael [Schumacher] had an issue in Monaco and then had the option of starting on what he wanted.
"We want to get rid of that scenario. And it is more for the fans because otherwise we will see people not bothering in qualifying and that is a waste of time.
"So if drivers are going to have to use a used set they may as well try and go and get a position anyway."
Why rule changes could make Red Bull more competitive
Sebastian Vettel leads final European Grand Prix practice in Valencia
Pirelli set for F1 tyre tender challenge as Bridgestone talk ramps up
Pirelli set for F1 tyre tender challenge as Bridgestone talk ramps up Pirelli set for F1 tyre tender challenge as Bridgestone talk ramps up
Hamilton and Russell praise Schumacher role in F1 Spanish GP turnaround
Hamilton and Russell praise Schumacher role in F1 Spanish GP turnaround Hamilton and Russell praise Schumacher role in F1 Spanish GP turnaround
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
Piastri: Spanish GP race struggles a reality check for McLaren F1 team
Piastri: Spanish GP race struggles a reality check for McLaren F1 team Piastri: Spanish GP race struggles a reality check for McLaren F1 team
Hyundai boss calls for WRC event format review
Hyundai boss calls for WRC event format review Hyundai boss calls for WRC event format review
Key to lead Sauber into Audi era in technical director role
Key to lead Sauber into Audi era in technical director role Key to lead Sauber into Audi era in technical director role
Isle of Man TT 2023: Spanish rider Raul Torras Martinez dies in Supertwin race
Isle of Man TT 2023: Spanish rider Raul Torras Martinez dies in Supertwin race Isle of Man TT 2023: Spanish rider Raul Torras Martinez dies in Supertwin race
Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023?
Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023? Is this F1's most underrated driver of 2023?
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked
Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked Why Verstappen's 2023 Spanish GP win wasn't as simple as it looked
How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule
How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.