close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Wolff op de Red Bull Ring

Wolff SLAMS 'weird' new qualifying format despite Hamilton BRILLIANCE

Wolff op de Red Bull Ring — Photo: © LAT Images

Wolff SLAMS 'weird' new qualifying format despite Hamilton BRILLIANCE

The change in format has allowed Pirelli to bring a lot fewer tyres to the circuit

Google Make us your Google favorite

Toto Wolff has slammed the new F1 qualifying format which has debuted at the Hungarian Grand Prix – just hours before his lead driver Lewis Hamilton took his first pole in more than 30 races.

The new rules saw drivers mandated to use hard tyres in Q1, mediums in Q2 and softs in Q3 unless the session is declared wet at any stage.

That always looked highly unlikely though, with the sun shining at the Hungaroring, and Wolff admitted he doesn't really know what to expect.

Mercedes' team principal is not a fan of the new system and how it makes free practice a lottery for the teams.

READ MORE: F1 Hungarian Grand Prix weather forecast

Wolff: Wasn't good at all

Lewis Hamilton topped FP3 at the Hungaroring ahead of the new qualifying debut
Lewis Hamilton topped FP3 at the Hungaroring ahead of the new qualifying debut

"First of all this tyre format is weird because no one understands where you are. We were only able to run one medium yesterday and that wasn't good at all."

"But, the grip on the soft was very good. Lewis here, he's able to add another two or three-tenths."

Mercedes took pole at the 2022 Hungarian GP courtesy of George Russell and followed that up thanks to a stunning drive from Hamilton.

READ MORE: Toto Wolff: Net worth, wife and career profile of Mercedes giant

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Italian Grand Prix result could be changed as F1 team confirms official FIA appeal

Italian Grand Prix result could be changed as F1 team confirms official FIA appeal

  • 1 hour ago
Fernando Alonso announces news on F1 2027 future decision: 'It's nice this way'

Fernando Alonso announces news on F1 2027 future decision: 'It's nice this way'

  • 2 hours ago
Lance Stroll 'as quick as Alonso' as insider delivers 'unbeatable' verdict

Lance Stroll 'as quick as Alonso' as insider delivers 'unbeatable' verdict

  • 3 hours ago
Max Verstappen crashes in first laps of Madring circuit: 'I have no idea where it's going'

Max Verstappen crashes in first laps of Madring circuit: 'I have no idea where it's going'

  • Yesterday 19:50
Ferrari F1 boss rejects Lewis Hamilton request after showdown talks

Ferrari F1 boss rejects Lewis Hamilton request after showdown talks

  • Yesterday 18:46
New Madring F1 track under fire for 'illegal' food ban as official complaint filed

New Madring F1 track under fire for 'illegal' food ban as official complaint filed

  • Yesterday 17:27

Just in

10-9
Italian Grand Prix result could be changed as F1 team confirms official FIA appeal
10-9
Fernando Alonso announces news on F1 2027 future decision: 'It's nice this way'
10-9
Lance Stroll 'as quick as Alonso' as insider delivers 'unbeatable' verdict
10-9
Max Verstappen crashes in first laps of Madring circuit: 'I have no idea where it's going'
10-9
Ferrari F1 boss rejects Lewis Hamilton request after showdown talks
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

New Madring F1 track under fire for 'illegal' food ban as official complaint filed Madring

New Madring F1 track under fire for 'illegal' food ban as official complaint filed

Yesterday 17:27
F1 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weather forecast - latest from Madrid Spanish Grand Prix

F1 2026 Spanish Grand Prix weather forecast - latest from Madrid

Yesterday 16:26
F1 star Charles Leclerc could miss Spanish GP, faces 'hardest return in sport' with FIA health test Charles Leclerc

F1 star Charles Leclerc could miss Spanish GP, faces 'hardest return in sport' with FIA health test

Yesterday 13:30
F1 has an 'AI agent' driver and he's about to become the youngest world champion ever Kimi Antonelli

F1 has an 'AI agent' driver and he's about to become the youngest world champion ever

Yesterday 09:45
Ontdek het op Google Play
x