FIA Monitors Qatar GP Tyre Safety After Pirelli Discovers Deep Cuts

Pirelli has identified 'deep' cuts on F1 tires at the Losail Circuit after Friday's sessions, prompting the FIA to consider precautionary measures ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. The sharp gravel at new and extended track limit deterrents is causing the damage, raising concerns about potential punctures despite a mandatory 25-lap maximum tire life already being in effect for the weekend.

Why it matters:

• The discovery of severe tire damage, even without immediate incidents, poses a significant safety risk for drivers and could lead to race disruptions.
• This situation could force the FIA to intervene with track modifications or revised regulations, impacting the sporting integrity and flow of the Sprint and Grand Prix.
• It highlights ongoing challenges with track design and tire durability, especially at circuits with abrasive run-off areas, and the need for constant vigilance in F1 safety.

The Details:

• Tyre Damage Discovery: Following Friday's practice and Sprint qualifying, Pirelli reported 'deep' lacerations on tire treads, some reaching the internal construction but not yet cutting cords.
• Cause: The damage is attributed to the 'sharp' nature of the gravel strips at the Losail Circuit, which are reportedly sharper and less rounded than at other venues.
• New Track Features: Several new or extended gravel strips have been added at Turns 6, 10, 14, and 16 since last year, intended as physical track limits deterrents.
• Driver Excursions: Drivers using escape areas and driving over these gravel strips brought sharp gravel onto the racing line, contributing to the damage.
• FIA Monitoring: The FIA is closely monitoring the situation, prepared to take action if tire cuts become a major concern, potentially using red flags or Safety Cars to clean the track.
• Potential Solutions: Options include removing gravel traps and repaving or redefining track limits, similar to actions taken in 2023 when kerbing issues caused tire lacerations at the same circuit.

What's next:

No immediate action will be taken before the Sprint race, allowing the FIA to observe the situation during competitive running. Pirelli expects less aggressive driving during the Sprint and Grand Prix compared to qualifying, which might reduce the risk of further damage. However, if problems persist, further interventions could be implemented to ensure driver safety and race continuity. The outcome will be crucial for both immediate race safety and future track design considerations.