The new rule means that drivers must use hard tires in the first qualifying session, medium in the second and soft in the third.
Free choice of tires is therefore no longer allowed in qualifying.
— I think it plays into the hands of the top teams because they normally make medium and hard tires work better than others, says double world champion, and superior WC leader, Max Verstappen.
The rule change was due to be introduced as early as May at the Emilia-Romagna grand prix in Italy, but the race was canceled due to flooding.
— It is not going in the right direction. I think there will be limited driving in qualifying because we have fewer tires. It’s the first time we’ve seen this, says Alpine rider Esteban Ocon, winner of the 2021 Hungarian GP.
The Hungarian Grand Prix starts on Sunday. Back in the field is eight-time grand prix winner Daniel Ricciardo after it became clear that the Australian will drive for AlphaTauri for the rest of the season.