F1 introduce major Qatar Grand Prix changes that risks angering Max Verstappen and rivals.
The stage has been set for Max Verstappen to potentially be crowned as F1 champion again, but the FIA may have put a damper on it with an announcement ahead of Saturday’s sprint event.
Drivers could be forced to take at least three pit-stops at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend after the FIA discovered serious issues with the Pirelli tyres used in qualifying.
Max Verstappen blew away the competition once again on Friday to take pole in the race which could see him crowned World Champion – although he could already have it wrapped up by Saturday in the Sprint Race. The reigning champion will retain his title as long as he does not lose six points or more to Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in an event that awards eight points to the winner.
The stage is set for Verstappen’s coronation, but the FIA may have thrown a spanner in the works with an announcement ahead of Saturday’s sprint event. Analysing the qualifying session, the FIA discovered a concerning amount of wear and tear on Pirelli tyres which had been used for 20 laps or more.
In a statement, it said “a separation in the sidewall between the roofing compound and the framing wires” was noted. He added:
“The FIA and Pirelli believe that a significant number of additional laps with these tires could lead to damage to the tire circumference and subsequent loss of air.”
The sport’s governing body blamed “pyramid” curbs at the Lusail track and announced a number of changes to ensure driver safety. Before Saturday’s sprint race, drivers will have to go through a 10-minute “familiarization session,” which will delay the start of the sprint by 20 minutes.
The FIA will then conduct in-depth analysis after the 19-lap sprint race to make a call for safety for Sunday’s main race.
If the problem is still evident, two major changes will be implemented, which might not go down well with drivers. Firstly, drivers will not be allowed to exceed 20 laps in any one set of tyres, or 22 for sets fitted in-race.
The knock-on effect is that: “All drivers will be obliged to perform at least three tyre-change pit-stops during the race.” Such a change would have a serious impact on the race, changing the way teams formulate their race strategy – and risks angering the drivers, who will be forced to change their approach.
Speaking to Autosport in 2013, former team principal Ross Brawn outlined his opposition to such a directive. He say:
“We may have regulations about mandatory closures, but as soon as you start using strategy from a management perspective…if you say, ‘What’s going on?’, I don’t I can’t tell you, but intuitively I can’t tell. I don’t think it’s right to regulate the number of pit stops.
We have to have one at the moment because we have to run both compounds. As for regulating a number of pit-stops, maybe it will work, maybe we have to try it, but I am not a great fan.”
Verstappen starts on pole in Qatar on Sunday ahead of Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who were promoted to second and third after penalties for McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
