FIA Introduces New Tire Regulations for 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix: What to Expect at Hungaroring?

The Hungarian Grand Prix is just around the corner, and Formula 1 has announced a new qualifying format and updated tire regulations. The changes are aimed at reducing the total number of tires used during a race weekend, making the sport more sustainable and cost-effective.

Formula 1 is one of the most expensive sports in the world, with teams spending millions of dollars on car development, travel, and other expenses. Tire costs are a significant part of this, with each set of Pirelli's Formula 1 tires costing around $3,000. With 20 drivers on the grid, the total cost of tires per weekend can quickly become a staggering expense.

The FIA and Formula 1 have been working together to find ways to reduce costs, and the new qualifying format is one of the measures being introduced. The format was initially scheduled to debut at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, but the race was canceled due to heavy rains and flooding.

Under the new qualifying format, the FIA will control which tire can be used during each qualifying session. In the first session, drivers will be able to use only hard tires, which are the slowest of all the dry tires but have the lowest wear. In the second session, medium tires will be allowed, providing an optimal balance of pace and tire wear. In the final session, drivers will be able to use the soft tires, which provide the best pace but wear out quickly.

To further reduce costs, the FIA has also adjusted the number of tire sets allowed for the weekend. Each car will have three sets of hard tires, four sets of medium tires, and four sets of soft tires. After each practice session on Friday, each car must return one set of tires to Pirelli. After the qualifying session on Saturday, each car will have to return two sets of tires.

The impact of these changes on drivers will be significant, as they will have to adapt their driving styles to suit the different tire compounds and wear rates. Teams will also need to manage their tire usage carefully to maximize their performance, as the number of available sets has been reduced.

However, teams can navigate through this change by conducting extensive research during free practice sessions to determine the optimal tire strategy for qualifying and the race. This includes analyzing tire wear rates, grip levels, and track conditions to make informed decisions about when to use each tire compound.

In addition to cost savings, the new regulations could have implications for the championship standings, as teams that manage their tire usage more effectively may gain an advantage over their rivals. With only 11 sets of tires available per weekend, teams will have to strike a delicate balance between maximizing their performance and conserving their resources.

Moreover, the new qualifying format could create more unpredictability and excitement for fans. With drivers having to use different tire compounds during each session, qualifying times could be affected, leading to potentially surprising grid positions for the race. This could add a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the sport, making it more engaging for viewers.

The FIA and Formula 1 have been working on cost-saving measures for several years, as the high cost of competing in the sport has been a concern for many teams. Along with the tire regulations, other measures have been put in place, such as a budget cap and restrictions on certain components, to help level the playing field and make the sport more accessible to teams with smaller budgets.

The introduction of the new qualifying format and tire regulations for the Hungarian Grand Prix is just the latest step in this ongoing effort. By reducing the number of tires used per weekend, the sport can become more sustainable and cost-effective, while also maintaining its high level of competition and excitement.

As the teams and drivers prepare for the Hungarian Grand Prix, it remains to be seen how they will adapt to the new regulations and what impact they will have on the race. However, one thing is certain - the new format and regulations are sure to create more drama and intrigue, making this one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the season. Fans of Formula 1 can expect a thrilling weekend of racing and see how the drivers and teams navigate through the changes.