Pirelli has explained how its 25-lap tyre limit will work at this weekend’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, with the rule forcing teams to make at least two stops.
The Italian brand first introduced a limit to the Lusail International Circuit in 2023, restricting drivers to 18-lap stints due to the circuit’s abrasive kerbing.
Pirelli announced its decision last week, hoping to avoid repeats of frustrating punctures at previous runnings of the race.
F1’s first Qatar GP in 2021 saw front-left tyre failures plague drivers due to the medium to high-speed corners and the rough track surface.
Last year, both Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz suffered from punctures after Pirelli chose not to implement tyre limits.
The decision to implement a limit in 2025 has drawn backlash, with Haas boss Ayao Komatsu warning that the rule will “destroy” the race.
Clarifying the decision, Pirelli have explained how the limit will apply across Qatar’s Sprint Race weekend.
“For the Sprint and the [Grand Prix], all laps started after the start signal and before the end-of-session signal will be counted in the maximum number of laps permitted.
“For the avoidance of doubt this means that reconnaissance lap(s), formation laps prior to the start signal and laps after the end-of-session signal will not be counted.
“All laps started during any other session will be counted in the maximum number of laps permitted. Any lap started but not completed will be counted as a full lap.
“For a mixed set, the number of laps for the set will be defined by the tyre [in] the set with highest number of laps accumulated.”
Pirelli has recalled that the teams’ degradation management and Qatar’s unique layout put “excessive strain on the tyre’s construction” in 2024.
“The limitation, agreed with the FIA, F1 and the teams, was decided on to prevent the tyres from reaching their maximum level of wear, as happened last year when tyres were nevertheless used past their working life through management of their degradation.”
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