Formula 1 is more than fast cars and skilled drivers. Every race is shaped by strategy, and one of the most important parts of that strategy is tyres.
Tyres may look simple, but in F1 they carry a big role. The type of tyre used can change how a car handles, how long it lasts on track, and even who wins the race.
Fans often hear terms like soft, medium, or hard during broadcasts, yet many do not know what they truly mean.
This guide aims to make the subject clear. It looks at tyre compounds, how they are grouped, and why teams choose them with care.
With simple words and direct facts, the blog makes it easy to understand this key part of Formula 1.
Who Makes F1 Tyres?
Right now, one company supplies all Formula 1 tyres: Pirelli.
Pirelli is an Italian brand with a long history in motorsport. Since 2011, they have been the official tyre supplier for F1.
This means every team on the grid uses Pirelli tyres, no matter if it’s Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, or McLaren.
Pirelli works closely with the FIA (the sport’s governing body) to design tyres that match the rules. The company tests tyres for speed, safety, and durability.
Each season, Pirelli produces a range of compounds, from the hardest to the softest. They also provide wet-weather tyres for rainy races.
What Tyres Are Used in F1?
Image Source: Wikipedia
Formula 1 cars use special tyres made only for racing. The tyres are divided into two main groups: dry-weather tyres(also known as slicks) and wet-weather tyres. Each has its own role during a race weekend.
- Hard (White): Long-lasting tyres with less grip. Best for long stints.
- Medium (Yellow): Balanced option with good speed and decent durability.
- Soft (Red): Fastest tyres with high grip but short life. Used in qualifying and short runs.
- Intermediate (Green): Used in light rain or damp track conditions.
- Full Wet (Blue): Deep grooves for heavy rain. Safest option in wet weather.
What are Tyre Compounds?
Image Source: Newsroom Pirelli
A compound is the mix of materials used to make a tyre. The compound affects how soft or hard the tyre is.
Softer compounds give more grip but wear out quickly. Harder compounds last longer but provide less grip.
In Formula 1, compounds are given names like C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5. C1 is the hardest tyre, while C5 is the softest.
These compounds are like a scale: C1 lasts the longest, C5 is the fastest, but wears the quickest.
For each race, Pirelli chooses three compounds from this range. They are then labeled as hard, medium, and soft for fans to follow easily.
Hard vs Medium vs Soft Tyres: What They Mean in F1
Tyres in Formula 1 are grouped into three main types for dry races: hard, medium, and soft. Each type has its own color, grip level, and lifespan. They may look similar at first glance, but the difference in how they perform can change the course of a race.
Hard Tyres
Hard tyres are built to last. They can run for many laps before wearing down, which makes them perfect for tracks with rough surfaces or high temperatures.
The downside is that they provide less grip, meaning slower lap times compared to softer tyres.
Teams often use them when they want fewer pit stops or when tyre wear is a big concern. Drivers must warm them up carefully, as cold, hard tyres can be tricky to handle.
- Color Code: White
- Grip Level: Lowest of the three
- Durability: Very high
- Typical Use: Long stints during hot or abrasive races
Medium Tyres
Medium tyres offer a good middle ground between speed and durability. They are quicker than hard tyres but last longer than soft tyres.
Because of this balance, they are often the “safe” choice for race strategies. Teams like them because they work in many conditions, whether the track is cool or warm.
Medium tyres also allow for a mix of strategies, like doing one long stint and one short stint.
- Color Code: Yellow
- Grip Level: Balanced
- Durability: Moderate
- Typical Use: Flexible strategies
Soft Tyres
Soft tyres are the fastest compound available in dry conditions. They give drivers the most grip, which means quicker lap times.
This makes them ideal for qualifying, where every fraction of a second matters. But soft tyres wear out fast, often lasting only a few laps.
Teams usually use them when they need a burst of speed or when track conditions favor maximum grip. Managing them carefully is key, as pushing too hard can burn them out within minutes.
- Color Code: Red
- Grip Level: Highest of the three
- Durability: Very low
- Typical Use: Qualifying and short, fast race stints
The C1–C5 Tyre Range Explained
Pirelli creates five dry tyre compounds for Formula 1 each season. These range from the hardest (C1) to the softest (C5). For each race, three of these are selected and marked as hard, medium, and soft for fans to follow. The table below shows how the scale works:
| Compound | Hardness Level | Grip | Durability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Hardest | Low | Very High | Long stints, hot tracks |
| C2 | Very Hard | Low–Medium | High | Durable race tyre |
| C3 | Medium | Balanced | Medium | Often chosen as the “medium” option |
| C4 | Soft | High | Low–Medium | Short runs, faster pace |
| C5 | Softest | Very High | Very Low | Qualifying and maximum grip |
Wet Weather Tyres
Formula 1 does not stop for rain, but wet races need special tyres.
Intermediate Tyres:
- Color: Green
- Use: Light rain, damp track
- These tyres have grooves that push water away. They work when the track is too wet for slick tyres but not fully soaked.
Full Wet Tyres:
- Color: Blue
- Use: Heavy rain
- These tyres have deep grooves and can handle large amounts of water. They are slower than slick tyres but safer in wet conditions.
Wet weather tyres are vital because slick tyres (hard, medium, soft) cannot handle water. On wet tracks, slick tyres lose grip and cause cars to slide.
Tyre Rules in Formula 1
Tyres are not just about choice; they are also controlled by rules.
- Dry races: Drivers must use at least two different dry compounds (for example, hard and medium).
- Wet races: If the race starts or changes to wet, this rule does not apply.
- Qualifying: Drivers use soft tyres most often to set fast lap times.
- Tyre limits: Each driver has a set number of tyres for the weekend. This prevents unlimited tyre use.
These rules make races more exciting. They force teams to plan strategies carefully instead of always using the fastest tyre.
How Teams Choose Tyres
Choosing tyres is a complex decision. Teams think about:
- Track surface: Some tracks are smooth, others are rough. Rough tracks wear tyres faster.
- Weather: Hot weather wears tyres quicker, cold weather makes them harder to warm up.
- Race length: A long race may need harder tyres to last.
- Strategy: Teams may want fewer pit stops, or they may plan for more stops with softer, faster tyres.
Every team has data engineers who study tyre performance. They test during practice sessions to see how each compound behaves. Based on this, they make race strategies.
Tyre Limits for Each Race Weekend
Each Formula 1 driver has a fixed number of tyre sets for a race weekend. These include dry tyres, intermediate tyres, and full wet tyres. The allocation is the same for all teams, and managing them well is a key part of race strategy.
| Tyre Type | Sets per Driver | Color Code | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Tyres | 13 sets | White (Hard), Yellow (Medium), Red (Soft) | Practice, qualifying, race |
| Intermediate | 4 sets | Green | Damp or light rain |
| Full Wet | 3 sets | Blue | Heavy rain |
Total: 20 sets of tyres for each driver per race weekend.
How F1 Tyres are Evolving
Formula 1 tyres are changing to match the sport’s growth and new goals. One of the biggest updates came in 2022, when F1 switched from 13-inch to 18-inch tyres.
The larger design gives better stability, less overheating, and performance closer to road car tyres. Beyond size, the focus is also on sustainability.
Pirelli is testing eco-friendly materials, such as natural rubber and recycled elements, while improving its recycling systems for used tyres.
At the same time, safety and speed remain top priorities. Tyres must handle extreme forces at high speed while staying reliable.
Looking ahead, fans can expect tyres that are faster, safer, and greener.
Conclusion
Tyres in Formula 1 are more than rubber on wheels. They shape race strategies, impact lap times, and even decide winners.
From hard, medium, and soft tyres to wet-weather options, each type plays a special role on track.
Teams must plan carefully, balancing grip, speed, and durability across a race weekend. Rules on tyre use also add to the drama, making every pit stop and tyre change matter.
With new designs and a push for sustainability, the future of F1 tyres looks even more exciting. For fans, learning about compounds and choices gives a deeper view of the sport.
Tyres may look simple, but they hold the power to change everything. Keep reading our blogs to learn more about the world of Formula 1.
