Imola to host F1's first revised qualifying format of the season

Formula 1 is set to introduce a revised qualifying format at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola later this year, with drivers being forced to use Hard tyres in Q1, Mediums in Q2, and Softs in Q3.

The change was agreed upon last year as part of an 'Alternative Tyre Allocation' under F1 sporting regulation 5.4 among Pirelli, the commercial rights holder, teams, and the FIA.

The current qualifying format allows for a free choice of tyre in all three sessions, with the fastest available tyre (Soft) typically used throughout, unless it's a wet session.

However, the revised format will see the number of sets available to each driver reduced from 13 to 11 in a bid to reduce the amount of tyres brought to a race weekend, with plans to have six available for qualifying and five between practice sessions and the race.

This means drivers will have access to three sets of Hard, four sets of Mediums and four sets of Softs during the weekend.

The changes would mean that drivers who do not make it through to Q3, and therefore starting outside the top 10, would have access to an additional three sets of Softs for the race, which could be beneficial at some circuits.

The revised format will take place at "up to two events for the 2023 season only", with the first event taking place at the race in Imola at the end of May.

The next event will take place later on in the season once Pirelli and the teams have evaluated whether the change works and can be implemented as early as the 2024 season.

Speaking about the new qualifying format, Ross Brawn, Managing Director, Motorsports, Formula 1, said: "We want to keep the qualifying format fresh and exciting, while also working to reduce the environmental impact of our sport."

"These changes strike a balance between those priorities, and I'm excited to see how they'll shake up the grid at Imola."

Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see how this revised qualifying format will play out on the track.

It's an exciting change that could mix up the grid and add a new layer of strategy for teams to consider.

As we look forward to the 2023 F1 season, all eyes will be on Imola to see how this new format is implemented and how it affects the racing.