Pirelli has effectively enforced a two-stop minimum rule at next week’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, after stating drivers can use one set of tyres for a maximum of 25 laps.
The Italian brand has taken the decision after a recurring theme of extreme tyre wear at the Lusail International Circuit on the three occasions it has hosted the race.
In 2021, multiple drivers suffered front-left tyre failures due to the demands of the layout, that encompasses a myriad of medium and high-speed corners.
2023 saw a similar issue, caused by the surface of the track’s kerbs, which led to an 18-lap limit, leading to an effective three-stop minimum.
Pirelli has once again opted for a similar tactic for this year’s 57-lap race, but has increased the limit due to the nomination of C1, 2 and 3 compounds.
In a statement, Pirelli said: “In Qatar, a limit will be introduced for the number of laps that each set of tyres can cover over the course of the whole race weekend.
“The decision, taken in agreement with the FIA and Formula 1 and discussed in regular meetings with the teams, is confirmed today by Pirelli through the usual technical document containing event-specific prescriptions sent out two weeks prior to each Grand Prix.
“These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy had increased the structural fatigue of the construction.
“In order to reduce the number of pit stops, the teams had worked on tyre degradation management, limiting performance drop-off, which sometimes ran the risk of extending the stint beyond the useful life of the tyre.
“A similar precautionary measure had already been introduced at this track in 2023, although that was for different problems which are now resolved. That year, repeatedly going over some kerbs had led to micro-lacerations in the tyres’ sidewalls.
“Last year, the subsequent modification to the pyramid kerbs along with the addition of strips of gravel around them, had avoided a repetition of this situation.”
The rule will also give F1 and the FIA a chance to see how effective the event will be from an entertainment perspective, with discussions a mandatory two-stop minimum rumoured for 2026.
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