The alternative qualifying format returning to Monza
This weekend, the drivers will once again have to change their habits. For the second time this season, they will have to confront the new qualifying format. This means that they will use the hard tires in Q1, the medium tires in Q2, and the soft tires in Q3.
The slogan will be « economy ». This weekend, for the Italian Grand Prix, the drivers will only have 11 sets of slick tires, instead of the usual 13. So why is that? Formula 1 has decided to introduce, at Monza, the qualifying format tested in Hungary earlier in the season. According to the manufacturer, this format allowed for a decrease in carbon footprint by using fewer compounds.
Also, during the fast lap exercise, the 20 men will have to obey pneumatic rules. During the first phase, hard tires will be mandatory on the cars. Then medium tires during Q2, and finally soft tires for the top ten.
Out of the 11 trains, the teams will have to return one to Pirelli after FP1, another one after FP2, and two more after the final session. Only seven will remain, which will be used for qualifying and the race. The allocation of wet tires remains the same: four intermediates and three for heavy rain.
Just a reminder, the Monza weekend for the Italian Grand Prix is not a sprint format. The goal is simply to force the use of tires based on the qualifying rounds.
