Fernando Alonso is critical of Formula 1 ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation’ rule, which is being trialled at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Pirelli has delivered 11 sets of dry weather tyres to each driver for the weekend, down from the usual 13 they receive.
In addition, qualifying saw fixed compounds allocated to each segment – in Q1, only the Hards could be used. Mediums were mandatory in Q2, while the Softs were solely for use in Q3.
Pirelli is testing the scheme for the weekend as it looks for new methods to boost sustainability.
But the rule led to fewer on-track laps during practice, a situation that was not well-received by Alonso.
“I think the biggest down of this format is the practice, that we cannot test because we are saving tyres,” he said.
“I’m not a fan of the format. I think it was a disaster to see cars not running in free practice because we are saving tyres.
“I think it didn’t add anything to the show. I feel sad for the spectators, they paid the ticket for Friday, FP1, FP2 and FP3, and cars [are] in the garage because we don’t have tyres to run.”
Alonso started the 2023 season in strong fashion, scoring six podiums in the opening eight races.
However, Aston Martin has been less competitive in recent rounds, while McLaren has taken strides forward.
Alonso believes the new tyre construction that was introduced by Pirelli has specifically hurt the Red Bull and Aston Martin teams.
At Silverstone, Pirelli introduced a more robust tyre specification in response to the increasing downforce levels of the current F1 cars.
“We are one-tenth from McLaren [after qualifying in Budapest],” Alonso said. “So it’s not as bad as maybe the result looks.
“But yes, we need to improve, there’s no doubt we made a step backwards in the last few races, and everyone did a step forward.
“Also it is [not] a coincidence that when the new Pirelli tyres came in Silverstone there are a couple of teams that we are struggling more, and a couple of teams that they are very happy with the car now.
“It’s not only us, I think Red Bull has clearly has been hit with those tyres, they’ve been one-two in every qualifying, one-two in every race, and now they are not even on pole position.
“Checo [Perez] is struggling to be in the top 10. At Silverstone I think Max was only three seconds in front of Lando [Norris]. So I see things that that a little bit unnormal since Silverstone, so let’s see.”
