What Do Tires Used in Formula 1 Mean?

The most important factors when watching Formula 1 races vehicle engine and pilots We think that but tires that are the only thing in contact with the groundis at least as important as the engine or the pilot.

During the race, the drivers made pit stops and the teams almost Change 4 tires at the same time in 3-4 seconds. we often witness. So why are these tires, which are so important that they determine the fate of a pilot in the race, constantly? with new and different types being changed? We have told you about the tire types that Pirelli produces specially for Formula 1 and the differences between them.

There are 7 different tire sets that F1 teams can choose according to different conditions.

The use of F1 tires is not only in the races on Sunday, but also in in practice and qualifying is of great importance. all teams, weeks before the race They inform the FIA ​​about which type of tires will be used on which track and cannot use a different tire other than these types.

The tire supplier of Formula 1 is Pirelli, but throughout history, tires of giant brands such as Dunlop, Continental, Bridgestone and Michelin have also been used before. With the start of the 2011 season, Pirelli became the official tire supplier of F1 and has been since then. tires with the same specifications provides to all teams.

All the teams in Formula 1, by looking at the surface of the runway and the temperature of the air develops tire strategies, decides which driver should use which tire. Pirelli has 7 different tire types for F1 teams. Of these 5 for dry and the remaining 2 for wet ground was designed. If you wish, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of these tires, starting with those designed for dry roads.

Formula 1 dry track tires:

C1 (Compound 1)

C1, used in Formula 1 cars the hardest rubber and usually where the weather and therefore the runway is extremely hot Designed for the conditions. C1 tires are also suitable for tight corners as they do not heat up hard. wear out for a long time gets. The biggest handicap of these tires is that the vehicle is a click away compared to soft tires. to go slow causing it.

C2 (Compound 2)

C2 tires, white and yellow on two different tire sidewalls and although slightly softer than C1, they are used for the same purpose. C2 rubber tires, for high speed and tight bends In addition to being extremely suitable, they are also used in Formula 1 races. most preferred tire type.

C3 (Compound 3)

The most successful tires in terms of performance and durability are C3 rubber tires and they are white, yellow and red among themselves. 3 different cheeks they leave. Usually like Monaco GP or Bahrain GP on city tracks used.

C4 (Compound 4)

C4 tires, which are called ultra-soft tires in the 2019 season, promise high speed. short lifetime and it starts to break down much faster than hard tires. Because it heats up very quickly; racing drivers, on laps they think they should speed up can switch to this tire.

C5 (Compound 5)

C5 tires are the fastest tires Pirelli has ever designed. is the softest of its kind and it is used on all tracks where mechanical clutch is needed. It breaks down much faster than all other tires and chooses the place of use due to its short life. grand strategies requires.

Formula 1 wet tires

Intermediate Green

Pirelli offers only two different tire types for use on wet surfaces in rainy weather. corrugated tires offers. transition tire Also known as Intermediate Green, per tire 30 liters of water per second It has a drainage feature and can be used easily in races where there are no puddles and heavy rain.

Wet Blue

Wet Blue tires are used in heavy rain, deep puddles and extremely slippery conditions on the track. At 350 kilometers per hour 85 liters of water per second they can evacuate and their diameter is different from other tires 10mm wider They provide maximum road holding.

Tire rules that teams must follow in Formula 1:

• Each team will use 5 different dry-floor tires throughout the race. only three can choose.
• In the absence of rain, each team at least two dry-floor tires is mandatory to use.
• Each team must choose the tires they will use for the races in Europe. 8 weekstires that they will use in other races. 14 weeks in advance must notify the FIA.
• The tire of the teams that did not choose a tire by the specified date. FIA determines.
• The two pilots in the team, different tire sets they can choose.
• Pirelli specifies two different tires that must be used, and these tires only on sunday used in races.
• The top 10 pilots who made it to the 3rd lap in the qualifying rounds, with the fastest tire must start a new round.
• In order for pilots to use wet tires on practice laps, management must “rainy session” Announcement is required.