FIA Statement – Treatment of tyres for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
FIA Statement – Treatment of tyres for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
It seems that there are safety issues with the tyres this weekend. 3 mandatory pitstops and a maximum of 20 laps per set of tyres would be the solution if the damages are also found after the sprint race.
This issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.
Doesn't seem hard to adjust. They already write in #1 to revise the track limits so drivers don't hit those kerbs as much. On the other hand, they could also do nothing and drivers on their own don't risk tyre damage on those kerbs with 'subsequent air loss' which would cost them the race. But that might be bad publicity for Pirelli at the end.
By the way, during the search of an image of those kerbs, I found the same story from 2021 with the same kerbs and problems:
Amazing, has anything happened like this before with a required pit window?
Pretty interesting that tyre tech clearly hasn't kept up with the actual cars. They're even using the 3 hardest compounds already.
Yeah, that's interesting to me. That all 3 compounds have the issue.
I don't know! First time since 1963 that the track limits changed mid-weekend. I'm not aware of a limit placed on laps. Obviously 2006 USGP comes to mind but the manufacturers never admitted a problem ahead of time.
Woah, that would be an interesting rule, forcing a 3 stop. Clearly have the safety of drivers in mind, but what a weird development
Would Be interesting to see the pit strategies
Mandatory 3 stops would limit strategy fairly tightly, hopefully after the sprint they'll allow 2 stops as an option.
Sidewall separation. Hey, anyone remember what happened to Michelin at Indy?