Today's Edition
Berlin (dpa)
Manufacturer Pirelli has limited each tyre set to a maximum of 25 laps at the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix on November 30 due to tyre wear concerns.
The decision was taken in agreement with F1, motorsports ruling body FIA and the teams.
With the decision, drivers will be forced into a minimum of two stops during the 57-lap race, but the sprint race won't need to be interrupted by pit stops given the 19-lap length.
"This measure has been deemed necessary, following analysis of the tyres used in 2024. Last year, several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached the maximum wear level," Pirelli said in a statement.
"These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy had increased the structural fatigue of the construction."
Pirelli also explained the issue is different from the 2023 Qatar GP that also saw mandated maximum tyre stint lengths, because that was caused by the kerbs creating micro-lacerations in the tyres' sidewalls.
Since then, kerbs have been modified, which avoided a repeat of this situation last year.
All laps in practice, sprint qualifying, the sprint race, grand prix qualifying and the grand prix itself will be counted per tyre set, including laps completed under a safety car or a virtual safety car.
Before the start of the main race, Pirelli will inform the teams how many laps are still available for each set of tyre.
The Qatar GP is the penultimate race of the year, following the Las Vegas GP scheduled for Sunday. The season end in Abu Dhabi on December 7.
Championship leader Lando Norris tops the drivers' championship 24 points ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri. The Qatar sprint race is the earliest Norris could claim his maiden F1 title.
