Pirelli could be poised to recommend a mandatory two-stop race strategy at this year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in response to the issues experienced in 2024.
The unique characteristics of the Losail International Circuit cause teams headaches, as the surface of the tyre rapidly degrades in the searing Middle Eastern heat.
The Qatar GP has been the subject of scrutiny in the last few seasons, the infamous 2023 race paving the way for FIA-mandated heat alerts and the possible introduction of the heat vest.
Although the 2024 race was concluded without a major accident on a one-stop strategy, teams discovered tyres had been worn down to the carcass in some cases.
This has necessitated emergency action, with Pirelli consulting with the FIA to enforce a two-stop race, effectively dividing the race into distinct sprints.
Pirelli Chief Engineer Simone Berra confirmed to media in Brazil that conversations are continuing at pace, but did not give a timeline for a final decision to be made.
“We are speaking with the FIA, with the teams, with F1 and we will take a decision very soon”, he said, adding the two-stop enforcement is “is on the table”.
Learning from experience
Elaborating on the proposed change, Berra explained that the punctures suffered by Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in 2024 have led to a more proactive approach.
“We had the experience from previous years,” said Berra to The Race.
“Two years ago, it was more a matter of kerbs. Last year, it was a matter of high wear rate – and volumetric wear especially – that generated some carcass damage.
“Obviously, we are taking into account all these parameters.
“The structure hasn’t changed too much [this year] in terms of resistance, so we would like to avoid ending up in a similar situation as last year where the teams were able to extend the stint because they didn’t have a big performance loss even running on the under-tread.
“So we are evaluating which options we have on the table and we will decide very soon.”
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