Formula 1: FIA Risk Facing Verstappen, Hamilton Anger With Qualifying Rule Change

• Formula 1's governing body is contemplating adjusting the current tyre rule in qualifying
• The suggestion of the new rule was met with stiff resistance from drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
• Reports have stated that the FIA could explore making the tyre rule change permanent

As fans and drivers brace for the away legs of the 2023 Formula 1 season kicking off this weekend in Singapore, reports have emerged about the FIA being in talks with tyre supplier Pirelli on how they can implement the Alternative Tyre Allocation (ATA) rule on a permanent basis moving forward.

The ATA tyre rule, which was previously tried out at the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Imola Grand Prix, looks set to become a mainstay in the sport.

Despite facing significant criticism from several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, it appears that the sport's governing body remains steadfast in their pursuit of this rule change, as indicated by the latest reports from Express UK.

Which is the fastest F1 car ever? Find out all the details here

Formula 1

The ATA rule change

The ATA rule change, which was first implemented at the Hungaroring and Monza, saw tyre allocations reduced from 13 to 11.

The change also impacted qualifying as the rules required the hard tyre to be used in Qualifying Session 1, medium in Qualifying Session 2, and soft in Qualifying Session 3. This regulation change was proposed to help F1 move to become more sustainable and carbon neutral.

Pirelli head, Mario Isola recently weighed in on the decision to implement the ATA rule change. As quoted by GP Fans, he said:

"[We have to [assess] the pros and cons of the new format. Then we will make a decision.

"If there is a need to do a bit of fine-tuning - like for example, considering one extra set for FP2 instead of seven sets for the race, with just six sets for the race which is more than enough and perhaps an extra set for VT2 with the same total number possible.

Premier League mascots: Who is the best mascot in the EPL?

Football

"To be fair, we compared the number of laps they did in FP1, VT2 and FP3 to last year, and it is very similar.”

Fans and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the drivers' reactions at this weekend's Grand Prix in light of these updates.

In any event of stiff resistance by teams and drivers accordingly, the FIA could resort to addressing necessary stakeholders in a press conference or a statement, with the hope the rule gets accepted by all parties involved.

Verstappen hits out at Hamilton

Sports Brief has also reported that the animosity between Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen, which stems from the 2021 Formula season, keeps growing following the Mercedes driver’s recent comments on his Red Bull rival.

Hamilton had initially cast doubts over the achievements and records of the Dutch driver in an interview ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

Verstappen has now responded to the claim of the seven-time champion in the cheekiest of manners.