Why Do F1 Tires Have No Tread?

F1 tires or slicks are designed with no tread to give maximum grip on dry tracks. With no tread patterns on F1 tires you get a bigger contact patch between the rubber and the track surface giving more grip and faster lap times in dry conditions.

Unlike conventional road tires, which feature tread patterns to disperse water and maintain traction on wet surfaces, F1 tires prioritize performance in dry weather. Most Formula 1 races take place on dry tracks, making treadless tires the way to go.

With analysis from NeoTires, let’s get to grips with the unique characteristics of F1 tires…

What are the tire compounds in F1?

Formula 1 tires are manufactured using a range of specialized rubber compounds, with Pirelli offering six dry-weather compounds ranging from the hardest C0 to the softest C5, each designed to provide specific levels of grip, durability, and performance based on track characteristics and race strategies.

Before the updated tire regulations came into place for the 2022 F1 season, new 18 inch tyres were designed from scratch, every element of the tyre started with a blank sheet of paper: from the profile to the structure to the compounds. The design process took in over 10,000 hours of indoor testing, over 5,000 hours of simulation and over 70 virtual prototypes to create 30 different specifications that were tested by almost all the teams over 20,000km. The drivers were key, each of them contributed to the development at various points and helped Pirelli to get to the final specifications thanks to their feedback.

Pirelli selects three compounds for each race weekend, ranging from the hardest, C0 to the softest, C5, ensuring that teams have access to a suitable range of options for both qualifying and race sessions.

C0: The Hardest Compound

The C0 compound, introduced in 2023, is the hardest tire in Pirelli’s Formula 1 range. This tire is designed to provide maximum durability and heat resistance, making it suitable for circuits that put the highest demands on tires. The C0 compound offers the lowest levels of grip compared to the other compounds but allows for longer stints and reduced wear, which can be advantageous on abrasive tracks or in hot conditions.

C1: Hard Compound

The C1 compound is the second hardest tire in Pirelli’s lineup. It provides a balance between durability and performance, offering more grip than the C0 but still prioritizing longevity. The C1 is often used on circuits with high tire wear or in situations where teams opt for a one-stop strategy. This compound is a popular choice for races where tire management is crucial, as it offers consistent performance over longer stints.

C2: Medium Compound

The C2 compound sits in the middle of Pirelli’s range, offering a versatile option that can be used in a wide variety of track conditions. This tire provides a good balance between grip and durability, making it suitable for most circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. The C2 is often used as the prime race tire, allowing drivers to push harder than the C1 while still maintaining a reasonable stint length.

C3: Soft Compound

The C3 compound is the third softest tire in Pirelli’s range, offering higher levels of grip and performance compared to the harder compounds. This tire is designed to provide quick lap times and is often used during qualifying sessions or for short stints during the race. The C3 is particularly effective on circuits with smooth surfaces and low tire wear, where the extra grip can help drivers achieve faster times.

C4: Very Soft Compound

The C4 compound is the second softest tire in Pirelli’s lineup, providing even greater levels of grip and performance than the C3. This tire is designed for circuits that demand maximum adhesion, such as street circuits or tracks with low-speed corners. The C4 offers the best qualifying performance but has a shorter lifespan compared to the harder compounds, making it less durable during longer race stints.

C5: The Softest Compound

The C5 compound is the softest tire in Pirelli’s Formula 1 range, offering the highest levels of grip and performance. This tire is used on the smoothest circuits with low tire wear, where maximum adhesion is required. The C5 provides the quickest lap times in qualifying but has the shortest lifespan of all the compounds. It is often used strategically for short stints during the race or as a qualifying-only option.

These tire compounds are designed to cover a wide range of circuit characteristics and race strategies, giving teams the flexibility to optimize their performance based on the specific demands of each track.

Wet Weather Tires

While Formula 1 races primarily take place in dry conditions, the sport must also be prepared for the challenges of wet weather. To ensure driver safety and maintain competitive racing in damp or rainy conditions, Pirelli provides two types of wet weather tires: the Cinturato Green intermediate and the Cinturato Blue full wet.

Cinturato Green Intermediate

The Cinturato Green intermediate tire is designed for use on a damp to wet track with no standing water. This tire features a tread pattern that helps to disperse water and maintain grip in damp conditions. The intermediate tire is a versatile option, capable of handling both a drying track and a track that is becoming wetter.

The compound used for the intermediate tire is softer than that of the full wet tire, providing better grip in mixed conditions. This tire is effective at clearing moderate amounts of water, allowing drivers to maintain competitive speeds without sacrificing too much lap time compared to dry conditions.

Teams often use the intermediate tire during the transitional phases of a race, such as when a track is drying after a period of rain or when light rain begins to fall.

Full Wet Blue

The Full Wet Blue tire is designed for use on a track with heavy rain and standing water. This tire features a more aggressive tread pattern compared to the intermediate, with deeper grooves to disperse larger amounts of water.

The compound used for the full wet tire is harder than that of the intermediate, prioritizing aquaplaning resistance and durability over outright grip. This tire is capable of clearing up to 85 liters of water per second at 300 km/h, ensuring that drivers can maintain control and visibility in extremely wet conditions.

Full wet tires are essential for ensuring driver safety during heavy rain. The tire’s deep tread pattern and sturdy construction help to prevent aquaplaning, where the tire loses contact with the track surface due to a buildup of water. In extreme cases, a race may be suspended or delayed if the conditions are deemed too dangerous, even for the full wet tires.

F1 Tire FAQs

What are F1 tires filled with?

F1 tires are filled with nitrogen gas instead of regular air. Nitrogen is an inert gas that maintains a more consistent pressure inside the tire, even when subjected to the high temperatures generated during racing. This stability helps to maintain the tire’s optimal shape and performance throughout its stint on the track. Additionally, nitrogen is less likely to permeate through the tire wall compared to regular air, which further contributes to maintaining consistent tire pressure.

What material are F1 tyres made of?

F1 tires are made from a complex mixture of natural and synthetic rubber compounds, which are layered together with other materials such as kevlar and polyester to form the tire’s structure. The exact composition of the rubber compounds varies depending on the specific tire compound (e.g., C0 to C5) and is a closely guarded secret by Pirelli. These proprietary blends are designed to optimize grip, durability, and performance based on the unique demands of Formula 1 racing.

Why do F1 cars only use Pirelli?

Formula 1 has an exclusive tire supply contract with Pirelli, which has been in place since 2011. This arrangement means that Pirelli is the sole tire supplier for all teams competing in the championship. Having a single tire supplier ensures a level playing field for all teams, as they have access to the same tire compounds and specifications. This exclusive partnership also allows for close collaboration between Pirelli and Formula 1 in developing and refining tire technology specifically tailored to the sport’s needs.

How are F1 tires so grippy?

F1 tires are incredibly grippy due to a combination of factors, including the specialized rubber compounds, tire construction, and the absence of tread. The soft, sticky rubber compounds used in F1 tires are designed to maximize grip by conforming to the surface of the track, providing a larger contact patch compared to regular road tires. The tire’s construction, which includes a soft outer layer and a stiffer internal structure, also contributes to its grip by allowing the tire to deform and adapt to the track surface while maintaining stability. Finally, the absence of tread on dry-weather tires further enhances grip by increasing the tire’s contact area with the track.

Why don’t F1 tires last long?

F1 tires are designed for maximum performance rather than longevity. The soft rubber compounds used in F1 tires are optimized for grip and speed, but this comes at the cost of durability. The high temperatures and forces generated during racing cause the tires to wear out quickly, with drivers often experiencing significant degradation in performance after just a few laps. This rapid wear is an intentional characteristic of F1 tires, as it adds an element of strategy to races, with teams having to balance tire life with raw pace. The short lifespan of F1 tires also ensures that teams are constantly pushing the limits of tire technology, developing new compounds and strategies to gain a competitive edge.