Why Are Formula 1 Tyres Covered?
Formula 1 tyres are not just covered, they are heated before the car leaves the pit stop for any of the sessions during the racing weekend. The covers that we see on the tyres are not ordinary covers. They are blankets that are designed to keep the surface of the tyre at a predetermined temperature. The temperature at which the tyres are kept will depend on the atmospheric conditions and the temperature of the track. The tyres are heated before every session during the weekend.
This article will take a look at why Formula 1 tyres are covered and what are the benefits…
Why are Formula 1 tyres heated before a race?
Formula 1 tyres are heated before a race to optimize their performance and provide better grip on the track. Warm tyres have a softer, stickier rubber compound compared to cold tyres, which allows them to conform to the track surface more effectively and generate more friction. This increased grip is crucial for F1 drivers, as it enables them to corner at higher speeds without losing traction or skidding.
Tyre temperature plays a significant role in cornering performance, which in turn affects lap times. When a driver can maintain higher cornering speeds, they need to decelerate and accelerate less, ultimately saving valuable fractions of a second throughout the lap. These small gains can add up to a significant advantage over the course of a race.
The ideal tyre temperature for optimal grip is around 100°C (212°F). However, the specific temperature to which tyres are heated depends on various factors, such as ambient temperature, track temperature, and the tyre compound being used. Teams carefully monitor these conditions to determine the optimal tyre temperature for each situation.
Tyre blankets, which are essentially electric heating pads, are used to pre-heat the tyres before they are fitted to the car. These blankets can be set to specific temperatures and help maintain a consistent tyre temperature until the car leaves the pit lane. The FIA regulations allow tyre blankets to be heated to a maximum temperature of 110°C (230°F) for slick tyres and 100°C (212°F) for wet tyres.
In addition to pre-heating tyres, drivers often weave or zigzag on the track during the formation lap before the race start or behind the safety car to maintain tyre temperature. This weaving motion generates heat through friction and helps keep the tyres within the optimal temperature range. Failing to keep the tyres warm can result in a loss of grip and a significant disadvantage when the race restarts.
Pirelli provides teams with specific guidelines for tyre pressures and camber angles based on the expected track and ambient temperatures. These guidelines help teams set up their cars to maximize tyre performance and minimize the risk of tyre damage.
The science behind tyre heating in Formula 1 is complex, with teams employing tyre engineers and strategists to analyze data and make informed decisions. Factors such as track layout, weather conditions, and the specific tyre compounds in use all play a role in determining the optimal tyre temperature and pressure for each session.
How are Formula 1 tyres heated?
Formula 1 teams use specialized tyre heating blankets to warm the tyres before a race or session. These blankets are designed to heat the surface of the tyres evenly and maintain a consistent temperature. The use of tyre blankets is strictly regulated by the FIA, with teams only allowed to apply heat to the tyre surface prior to the start of a session.
Tyre blankets are made of a durable, insulating material that wraps around the entire tyre and wheel assembly. Inside the blanket, there are electric heating elements distributed uniformly to ensure even heat distribution across the tyre surface. The blankets are secured tightly around the tyres using Velcro fasteners and drawstrings, which help to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent heat loss.
The optimal tyre temperature for maximum performance is around 100°C (212°F). To account for any heat loss that may occur between the time the tyres are removed from the blankets and the start of the race, teams typically set the blanket temperature slightly higher, around 110°C (230°F). This ensures that the tyres remain close to the optimal temperature range when the cars are waiting on the grid for the start signal.
Before a race, the heated tyres are stacked on specially designed trolleys equipped with electrical power outlets. The tyre blankets are connected to these outlets, which supply the necessary power to maintain the desired temperature. The blankets are fitted with built-in thermal sensors and thermostats that continually monitor the tyre temperature and regulate the power supply accordingly. When the tyre reaches the set temperature, the thermostat switches off the power to prevent overheating. If the temperature drops below the desired level, the thermostat activates the heating elements to bring the tyre back up to the optimal temperature.
Formula 1 tyre blankets are not only used before the start of a race but also during pit stops. Teams have a limited number of tyre blankets available during a race weekend, and they must manage their usage strategically. During a pit stop, the new tyres are often placed in heating blankets while the car is still out on the track, ensuring that they are at the optimal temperature when the car comes in for the tyre change.
The technology behind F1 tyre blankets has advanced significantly over the years. Modern blankets are more energy-efficient and provide more precise temperature control compared to earlier versions. Some blankets even have wireless connectivity, allowing teams to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely.
In recent years, there have been discussions about banning tyre blankets in Formula 1 to reduce costs and improve sustainability. However, many teams and drivers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on performance and safety. As a result, the FIA has decided to continue allowing the use of tyre blankets for the foreseeable future.
Where do Formula 1 teams get tyres from?
Since 2011, Pirelli has been the sole tyre supplier for all Formula 1 teams. F1 car tyres are one of the few components that are identical across all teams, and they play a crucial role in the car’s performance, as they are the only part in contact with the track surface. Each team receives 13 sets of tyres from Pirelli for the entire race weekend, with each tyre featuring a unique identification tag. After the tyres are returned by the teams, Pirelli analyzes them to gather data and improve their products.
Pirelli produces five different tyre compounds, each designed to suit specific track characteristics and conditions. The compounds are categorized as C1 (hardest) to C5 (softest), with the actual selection for each race weekend determined by Pirelli in advance. Teams invest significant resources in studying the performance and degradation of each compound to optimize their race strategies.
To prevent industrial espionage and maintain fairness, no team is allowed to have an unmounted tyre. Pirelli technicians mount all tyres on the wheel hubs provided by the teams, fill them with air at a predetermined pressure, and tag them for identification. Some teams may not have enough wheel hubs to collect all 13 sets of tyres at once, so they collect them in batches, while well-funded teams can collect all their tyres in one go.
You May Also Like:
The Science Behind F1 Tyres: How They Withstand Extreme Forces
F1 Tyre FAQs
Are F1 tyre blankets heated?
Yes, Formula 1 tyre blankets are heated. These specialized blankets are designed to warm the tyres to the optimal temperature range before a race or session. The heating elements inside the blankets are powered by electricity and are carefully controlled to ensure even heat distribution across the tyre surface.
The purpose of heating F1 tyres is to optimize their performance on the track. Warm tyres provide better grip, allowing drivers to corner at higher speeds and accelerate more effectively. The ideal tyre temperature is around 100°C (212°F), and teams use tyre blankets to maintain this temperature as consistently as possible.
Tyre blankets are equipped with built-in thermal sensors and thermostats that continually monitor the tyre temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat switches off the power supply to prevent overheating. If the temperature drops, the heating elements are activated to bring the tyre back to the optimal range.
F1 regulations stipulate that tyre blankets can be set to a maximum temperature of 110°C (230°F) for slick tyres and 100°C (212°F) for wet tyres. Teams must carefully manage the use of their tyre blankets throughout a race weekend, as they have a limited number available.
The use of heated tyre blankets is not unique to Formula 1; many other high-performance motorsports, such as MotoGP and World Endurance Championship, also employ similar technology. However, the specific requirements and regulations regarding tyre blanket usage vary between different racing series.
In recent years, there has been some discussion about potentially banning tyre blankets in Formula 1 to reduce costs and improve sustainability. However, the FIA has decided to continue allowing their use for the foreseeable future, as many teams and drivers have expressed concerns about the impact on performance and safety if tyre blankets were prohibited.
Why do they cover the tires in Formula 1?
In Formula 1, teams cover their tyres for several reasons, primarily to maintain optimal tyre temperature and to conceal sensitive information from rival teams.
- Maintaining tyre temperature: F1 tyres are designed to perform best within a specific temperature range, typically around 100°C (212°F). By covering the tyres with heating blankets, teams can ensure that the tyres remain at the ideal temperature before the start of a session or race. This is crucial for maximizing tyre performance, as cold tyres can lead to reduced grip and slower lap times.
- Concealing tyre compound: Formula 1 teams are provided with a range of tyre compounds by Pirelli, each suited to different track conditions and race strategies. The specific tyre compound a team chooses can reveal valuable information about their intended strategy to rival teams. By covering the tyres, teams can hide the tyre markings and keep their compound choice confidential until the last possible moment.
- Protecting tyres from environmental factors: Tyre covers also help to protect the tyres from environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, or debris. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the tyre surface to degrade, while rain and debris can affect the tyre’s performance and longevity. By keeping the tyres covered, teams can minimize these risks and ensure that the tyres remain in optimal condition.
- Complying with regulations: The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has strict regulations regarding the use of tyre blankets and covers. Teams must adhere to these rules, which specify the maximum permitted tyre blanket temperature and the duration for which tyres can be kept in the blankets before a session.
Why is F1 getting rid of tire blankets?
In recent years, there has been discussion about the potential removal of tyre blankets from Formula 1. However, in 2023 the FIA decided to continue allowing the use of tyre blankets for the foreseeable future.
The initial proposal to ban tyre blankets was driven by several factors:
- Cost reduction: Tyre blankets are expensive, and their removal could help reduce costs for teams, particularly for smaller teams with limited budgets.
- Sustainability: The elimination of tyre blankets would align with Formula 1’s sustainability goals, as it would reduce energy consumption and the overall environmental impact of the sport.
- Competitive fairness: Some argued that removing tyre blankets could level the playing field, as teams with larger budgets may have an advantage in developing more advanced and efficient tyre warming technologies.
- Emphasis on driver skill: Without tyre blankets, drivers would need to manage their tyre temperatures more carefully, potentially placing a greater emphasis on driver skill and car setup.
However, the proposal to ban tyre blankets faced significant opposition from teams and drivers. Many expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on performance, safety, and the quality of racing.
In 2021, the FIA announced that it would postpone the proposed ban on tyre blankets until at least 2024. This decision was made to allow more time for Pirelli, the official tyre supplier, to develop tyres that could perform effectively without the use of blankets.
In 2023, the FIA ultimately decided to abandon the plan to ban tyre blankets altogether. This decision was based on feedback from teams and drivers, as well as the results of testing conducted by Pirelli. The FIA concluded that the removal of tyre blankets could potentially compromise safety and lead to unpredictable performance, particularly in cooler weather conditions.
As a result, tyre blankets will continue to be a part of Formula 1 for the foreseeable future. The FIA and Pirelli will work together to optimize the use of tyre blankets while still exploring ways to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the sport.
From F1 news to tech, history to opinions, F1 Chronicle has a free Substack. To deliver the stories you want straight to your inbox, click here.
New to Formula 1? Check out our Glossary of F1 Terms, and our Beginners Guide to Formula 1 to fast-track your F1 knowledge.
