Tyres may look simple from the outside, but in Formula 1, they’re one of the most complex and strategic elements of the sport. The only contact point between car and track, they dictate performance, strategy, and even the outcome of races. From the choice of compound to the number of sets available, tyres shape every Grand Prix weekend.
Welcome to Racing 101, the Paddock Queen’s new series where I break down the key topics of motorsport and make them easier to understand. I’ll guide you through the essentials so you can enjoy racing on a whole new level. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Who Supplies F1 Tyres?
Since 2011, Pirelli has been the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1, marking a return to the sport after previous spells of involvement in the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s. Their job is to provide tyres that not only meet extreme performance demands but also introduce an element of strategy by forcing teams to manage degradation, grip, and durability.
For 2025, Pirelli supplies a range of six dry compounds (C1–C6) and two wet-weather options, ensuring teams can adapt to the diverse conditions across the F1 calendar.
Understanding F1 Tyre Compounds & Colour Codes
To make things simple for fans and broadcasters, Pirelli uses a colour-coded system so everyone can quickly identify which tyres are on the cars.
Slick Tyres (Dry Weather)
Slicks are smooth, treadless tyres that deliver maximum contact with the track. They come in six compounds, ranked from hardest (C1) to softest (C6). Each race weekend, the FIA and Pirelli nominate three compounds out of the six, which are then colour-coded as hard, medium, and soft:
White (Hard) – Prioritises longevity and consistency. Designed for hot conditions and long stints. Typically linked to C1, but can also represent C2, C3 or even C4.
Yellow (Medium) – The balanced option, offering a mix of grip and durability. It’s the workhorse tyre, suitable for a wide range of strategies. Usually assigned to C2, C3, C4 or C5.
Red (Soft) – The fastest compound with maximum grip, best for qualifying or short stints. It degrades quickly but delivers pure speed. Traditionally linked to C5, but C3, C4, or the new C6 can also appear in red.
This flexible system means the same colour doesn’t always mean the same compound at different tracks but the philosophy behind each colour remains constant.
The Six Compounds Explained (C1–C6)
C1 – Designed for tracks that take the most energy out of the tyres. Built for long stints in abrasive (heat, extreme forces) conditions.
C2 – A robust option ideal for fast, high-energy (hot and abrasive) circuits or new tracks where tyre data is limited.
C3 – The “middle ground.” It can serve as hard, medium, or soft depending on the weekend. Offers a balance between performance and durability. It is well-suited to a wide range of conditions.
C4 – Quick to warm up, delivering grip early. Best for smoother, low-severity tracks. This tyre is used extensively throughout the season.
C5 – Ultra-soft and sticky, perfect for slower circuits with smooth asphalt where peak grip is key.
C6 – New for 2025, the softest-ever compound. Tailor-made for city tracks. High degradation encourages multiple pit stops and unpredictable strategies.
Wet Tyres
When rain arrives, teams switch to tyres with treads to disperse water:
Green (Intermediate) – The most versatile wet-weather tyre. Works on damp tracks without standing water and can handle drying conditions. Offers a wide crossover window between slicks and wets.
Blue (Full Wet) – Built for heavy rain. With deep treads, it disperses impressive quantities of water and reduces aquaplaning risk. However, in extreme weather, visibility rather than grip often becomes the main safety concern.
Tyre Allocations Per Weekend
Each team receives a fixed allocation of tyres for a Grand Prix weekend, with exact numbers depending on the format:
Traditional Weekend (Practice + Qualifying + Race)
- 13 sets of slick tyres (divided between hard, medium, and soft)
- 4 sets of intermediates
- 3 sets of full wets
- An extra set of softs is reserved for those who reach Q3 in Qualifying.
Sprint Weekend
The allocation is adjusted slightly to balance the extra competitive session. Teams still need to carefully manage sets across practice, qualifying, sprint, and the main race.
- 12 sets of slick tyres
- 4 sets of intermediates
- 3 sets of full wets
At least two different slick compounds must be used during a dry race, unless weather forces teams onto intermediates or full wets. This rule ensures pit stop strategies remain a crucial part of F1.
Why Tyres Matter?
Tyres are more than just rubber; they are a decisive performance factor. The right choice at the right time can win races, while the wrong call can cost everything. That’s why every F1 team employs tyre specialists and why Pirelli’s data is so closely followed by strategists and fans alike.
That’s it for the first edition of Racing 101! I created these articles to simplify the complex world of racing and make it more fun to follow. Next time you see a driver pit for fresh tyres, you’ll know exactly what those red, yellow, or white sidewalls really mean. Stay tuned for the next topic and let me know what you’d like me to cover next.
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