Why removing the Q2 tire rule is wrong:

In the release of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 regulations, section 6.4 j has been removed. This is the old rule that forced those cars which make it into Q3 to use the tires they set their fastest laps on in Q2 for the start of Sunday's race. This may have been a bit confusing to new fans to the sport, creating questions like, "What do they mean by 'Q2'?" and, "Why is starting P10 worse than starting P11?". Starting in 2022, the FIA have completely removed that rule (to casual viewer's relief, no doubt). Although this seems to be a call which removes complications for novice fans, it could result in races in which each team uses identical strategies.

In previous years, having the requirement for everyone who made it into Q3 meant that back markers who over perform and make it into Q3 (like a Williams or Alfa Romeo) would have a double disadvantage when starting in the top 10 (having a slower car, and having to start on used soft tires). More than likely, these cars would not be competitive in the last qualifying session and would finish P10. Then, on race day they would fall victim to their set of scrubbed tires and the faster cars behind. The addition of the Q2 tire regulation was interesting and forced interesting strategy calls, but overall put back markers on the second back foot if they performed well on Saturday.

A more effective and fair rule would be to keep the regulation for the top 5 finishers in Q2. This would remove the disadvantage of starting last in the 10-car train on used tires, but would allow for more strategy decisions in the 6th-10th grid slots. The top 5 finishers are typically the front runners of the championship (and Pierre Gasly), so keeping the regulation for only the top 5 would make strategy calls interesting on Sunday for the top teams. Starting P6 would be ideal for mid-field teams, as teams would be safely into Q3 with a free choice of tires.

Having the tire rule for the top 5 would be the best way to achieve a balance between competitive Saturdays for all teams and intricate strategy battles for the lead on Sunday.