Tyre strategy is a crucial aspect of Formula 1 racing, with teams constantly making decisions regarding when to change their tyres and which type of tyre to use. These decisions can have a significant impact on a driver’s performance and ultimately determine the outcome of a race.

In this article, we will explore the basics of tyre strategy in F1 racing and how it works.

How Tyre Strategy Works in F1

It is important for you to learn and understand the role of tyres in a formula one strategy.

Teams use tyres strategy to win a race or defeat their competitors.

1. Tyre Types in F1

There are three types of tyres in Formula 1: the soft tyre, the medium tyre, and the hard tyre. Each tyre has a different level of grip and durability, which can affect a car’s speed and handling. The soft tyre is the quickest of the three, but it also wears out the fastest, while the hard tyre is the most durable but slower than the other two. The medium tyre falls between the two in terms of speed and durability.

2. Qualifying and Race Tyre Rules

Before the race, teams have to nominate the number of tyres they will use during each session. This includes the qualifying session and the race. In the qualifying session, drivers are allowed to use all three types of tyres, but they must return one set of tyres after each session. This means that they will have two sets of tyres for the final qualifying session. In the race, drivers must use two different types of tyres, and they must use at least two sets of each type of tyre.

3. Tyre Wear and Pit Stops

As the race progresses, tyre wear becomes a significant factor. The teams and drivers must decide when to change their tyres to maintain their speed and grip. Tyres wear out faster on some tracks than others, depending on the nature of the surface and the amount of grip required.

Pit stops are crucial in F1 racing, as they are the only time during the race when teams can change their tyres. The teams must time their pit stops carefully to ensure that their drivers don’t lose too much time on the track. Pit stops usually take between two and three seconds, but any delay can be costly. The teams also have to factor in the possibility of a safety car or a virtual safety car, which can affect the timing of their pit stops.

4. Tyre Change Strategy

Tyre strategy in F1 racing involves deciding when to change tyres and which type of tyre to use. Teams will typically aim to use the softest tyre possible for as long as possible before changing to a harder tyre. This is because the softer tyre provides better grip and therefore faster lap times. However, the softer tyre will also wear out faster, so the teams must balance the benefits of increased grip against the need for more pit stops.

Teams will also try to avoid changing tyres at the same time as their rivals, as this can lead to traffic on the track and lost time. They will also try to avoid running out of tyres before the end of the race, as this can result in a penalty.

In addition to the basics of tyre strategy in F1 racing, there are a few more aspects that are worth exploring.

5. Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on tyre strategy in F1 racing. Rainy conditions will typically result in teams using wet tyres, which have deep grooves that provide better grip on a wet track. However, if the track starts to dry out, teams may have to switch to intermediate tyres, which have less tread than wet tyres and provide less grip. The teams will have to monitor the weather conditions carefully and make timely decisions regarding their tyre strategy.

6. Track Conditions

The nature of the track can also affect tyre strategy. For example, tracks with high-speed corners will place more stress on the tyres, causing them to wear out faster. On the other hand, tracks with long straights and fewer corners will be less demanding on the tyres, allowing the teams to use softer tyres for longer.

7. Driver Preferences

Driver preferences can also play a role in tyre strategy. Some drivers prefer softer tyres, as they provide better grip and faster lap times, while others prefer harder tyres, as they are more stable and predictable. Teams will take these preferences into account when deciding on their tyre strategy.

How Do F1 Teams Choose the Tyres to Use?

F1 teams choose the tyres to use based on a variety of factors, including track conditions, weather, and race strategy. The official tyre supplier for F1, Pirelli, offers three types of tyres for each race: the soft, medium, and hard compounds. Each tyre compound has a different level of grip and durability, which can affect a car’s speed and handling.

During the race weekend, teams will conduct practice sessions to test each tyre compound and evaluate its performance on the specific track. They will analyze the lap times and data from the practice sessions to determine which tyre compound works best for their car and driver.

Once the teams have identified the best tyre compound for their car, they will develop a race strategy that involves deciding on the number of sets of each tyre compound they will use during the race. This strategy will take into account the expected tyre wear rate and the number of pit stops required to change tyres.

Teams will also consider the weather forecast when choosing their tyres. If rain is expected, they will opt for wet or intermediate tyres, depending on the severity of the rain and the amount of standing water on the track.

The teams’ choice of tyre compound can also depend on their competitors’ strategies. If one team opts for a softer tyre compound, other teams may also choose to use the same tyre compound to remain competitive.

In summary, F1 teams choose the tyres to use based on a combination of factors, including track conditions, weather, and race strategy. They will analyze the performance data from practice sessions and develop a strategy that optimizes the number of pit stops and the tyre wear rate. By making the best possible decision regarding their tyre choice, teams can gain a competitive advantage and increase their chances of success in the race.

How Many Tyres Are Allocated to a Team Per Race Weekend?

Each F1 team is allocated 13 sets of tyres for each race weekend, which is a total of 52 tyres. Out of these 13 sets, Pirelli supplies each team with seven sets of the dry tyre compounds, four sets of the intermediate tyre compound (for wet conditions), and two sets of the wet tyre compound (for heavy rain).

Each dry tyre set consists of four tyres – two front and two rear – with the same compound. The teams have the freedom to choose the compound for the seven sets of dry tyres they will use during the race weekend. However, they must use at least two different compounds during the race, and one of the two mandatory compounds must be used during the race.

During the race, teams are allowed to use a maximum of four sets of dry tyres and one set of intermediate or wet tyres. Teams must return two sets of tyres after Free Practice 1 and two sets after Free Practice 2, but they can choose the remaining sets of tyres for the rest of the weekend.

The allocation of tyres can vary depending on the type of race and the weather conditions. For example, if the race is held in a hot climate, Pirelli may increase the number of soft tyre sets and reduce the number of hard tyre sets to ensure better performance and safety.

In summary, each F1 team is allocated 13 sets of tyres for each race weekend, with seven sets of dry tyres, four sets of intermediate tyres, and two sets of wet tyres. The teams have the freedom to choose the compound for the dry tyres, but they must use at least two different compounds during the race. The allocation of tyres can vary depending on the type of race and weather conditions

Conclusion

Tyre strategy is a complex and ever-changing aspect of F1 racing. Teams must consider a variety of factors, including the type of tyre, tyre wear, pit stop timing, weather conditions, track conditions, and driver preferences, when making decisions regarding their tyre strategy. By making the best possible decisions, teams can gain a competitive advantage and increase their chances of success in the race.

Tyre strategy is a vital part of F1 racing, and teams must carefully consider when to change tyres and which type of tyre to use. The decision can have a significant impact on a driver’s performance and ultimately determine the outcome of a race. By understanding the different tyre types, tyre wear, and pit stop timing, teams can make the best possible decisions regarding their tyre strategy and increase their chances of success.