Pirelli Addresses Las Vegas GP Tire Graining, Grants Verstappen's Wish
Pirelli is addressing persistent tire graining at the Las Vegas Grand Prix by excluding the problematic C6 compound for 2025, a move welcomed by drivers like Max Verstappen. The company will use C3, C4, and C5 compounds, the same as previous years, and will also hold the race earlier to combat cool night temperatures, aiming for better tire performance and a more competitive event.
Pirelli, Formula 1's official tire supplier, is taking proactive steps to combat persistent tire graining at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a recurring issue since its debut. The company has opted against bringing the problematic C6 compound, a decision celebrated by drivers like Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has faced unique challenges with tire performance due to the cool desert night temperatures and the demanding track layout. Addressing graining is crucial for improving race quality, strategic diversity, and driver satisfaction, ensuring a more competitive and predictable event for teams and fans alike.
The Details:
- The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the 23rd round of the championship, featuring a 6.201 km track, the second-longest on the F1 calendar.
- Tire Selection: For 2025, Pirelli will stick to the C3, C4, and C5 compounds, the same selection as the two preceding years. This decision directly addresses the graining issues observed in previous editions.
- C6 Compound Exclusion: Pirelli has decided to omit the new C6 compound from the Las Vegas allocation. This compound, intended for qualifying, proved too difficult for drivers to manage, drawing sharp criticism from Max Verstappen, who advised Pirelli to 'leave that tyre at home.'
- Temperature Management: To help drivers bring tires to optimal temperature, the 2025 race will be held at an earlier time compared to previous editions, aiming to mitigate the challenges posed by chilly desert nights.
- Improved Properties: Pirelli states that the 2025 tires feature improved mechanical properties designed to mitigate degradation, especially for the medium compound, which was most affected in 2024.
- Qualifying Importance: Pirelli emphasizes the critical role of preparation laps in qualifying, noting that the last seven pole-sitters have converted their starting positions into race wins.
The big picture:
Pirelli's strategic tire choices for Las Vegas highlight a broader commitment to driver feedback and continuous product improvement. By removing the C6 and sticking with more predictable compounds, they aim to create a more consistent and fairer racing environment, especially in challenging conditions. This approach also reflects F1's ongoing efforts to refine race weekends and ensure optimal performance from all suppliers.
What's next:
The success of these measures will be closely watched during the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. If tire graining is significantly reduced, it could set a precedent for future tire allocations at tracks with similar thermal demands. The continuity of pole-sitter wins, currently at seven consecutive races, will also be a key storyline, as the Las Vegas GP could potentially tie the all-time record of eight, a mark set back in 1976.