Pirelli Imposes 25-Lap Stint Limit for Qatar GP Due to Tyre Wear Concerns

Pirelli has announced a strict 25-lap maximum for each tyre set during the upcoming Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix weekend, a decision driven by significant tyre wear observed in 2024. This measure, agreed upon with the FIA, F1, and the teams, will necessitate a minimum two-stop strategy for the 57-lap main race at the Losail International Circuit.

Why it matters:

• Tyre management has been a recurring challenge at the Losail International Circuit, and this new restriction highlights the extreme demands the circuit places on the rubber. It will significantly impact race strategies, potentially shaking up the competitive order as teams adapt to forced pit stops and managing tyre degradation within tight limits. This could create more unpredictable races and strategic battles.

The details:

• Maximum Stint Length: Every tyre set (hard, medium, soft) is limited to a maximum of 25 laps during the entire Qatar GP weekend.
• Mandatory Pit Stops: For the 57-lap Grand Prix, drivers will be required to make at least two pit stops to comply with the 25-lap limit per stint.
• Sprint Race Impact: The 19-lap sprint race will not require pit stops, as its length falls within the mandated tyre stint limit.
• Reason for Restriction: Pirelli's analysis of tyres used in 2024 revealed that several tyres, particularly the front-left, reached maximum wear levels, and the high lateral energy increased the structural fatigue of the tyre construction.
• Distinction from 2023: This issue is different from the 2023 Qatar GP, where maximum stint lengths were also mandated due to kerbs causing micro-lacerations in the tyre sidewalls. Kerb modifications and gravel traps have addressed that specific problem.
• Lap Counting: All laps completed during practice, sprint qualifying, the sprint race, grand prix qualifying, and the grand prix (including Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car laps) will count towards the 25-lap limit.
• Exclusions: Laps to the grid, formation laps, and laps completed after the chequered flag are excluded from the count.
• Tyre Allocation: Pirelli has supplied its hardest compounds (C1 hard, C2 medium, C3 soft) for the weekend. Each driver receives two sets of hards, four mediums, and six softs under sprint weekend regulations.

What's next:

Before the Grand Prix begins, Pirelli will inform teams of the remaining available laps for each tyre set a driver has left. This real-time information will be crucial for strategic planning. Teams will have to meticulously manage their tyre usage throughout all sessions to ensure they have viable sets for the Grand Prix, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging race weekend. The success of these measures will be closely watched by the FIA and Pirelli as they continue to assess tyre performance under extreme conditions.