Pirelli has revealed that it has taken several precautions to prevent another repeat scenario of the conditions faced by drivers during last year’s Qatar Grand Prix.
On the run-up to the race Pirelli identified problems during practice whereby the Losail circuit’s ‘pyramid kerbs’ were causing damage to the tyres. Pirelli said they were microscopic separations occurring in the sidewalls, the weakest point of the tyre, as it deformed at high speed.
Amid concerns about potential failures, the FIA mandated a maximum stint length of 18 laps for news tyres in the race, which effectively turned the race into a three-stopper for everyone.
This threw up unwanted conditions for the drivers, as they were effectively allowed to push flat out for the entirety of the race without worrying about tyre wear. It created a scenario where drivers were dehydrated and vomiting in the car, with some even passing out and retiring including Logan Sargeant.
Lando Norris branded the conditions “dangerous” when speaking to Motorsport.com and in a bid to avoid similar problems, Pirelli has worked with the FIA to ensure the tyres avoid similar problems this year.
Pirelli reveals ‘extensive and lengthy’ testing to avoid 2023 farce
The biggest changes that will be made to the Lusail circuit will be to the pyramid kerbs, with their tips being rounded off at seven of the circuit’s 16 corners.
The first two after the start, Turns 4 and 10, and three three from Turn 12 to 14 have all been adjusted as those sections had the most stress on the side of the tyre.
In an official press release, Pirelli confirmed that it has been working with its R&D Department in Milan to carry out extensive and lengthy tests and using sample kerbs provided by the FIA. It added: “Furthermore, the engineers also analysed tyres from tests carried out by some teams in recent weeks at the Lusail circuit, running pre-2024 cars.
“Even though the tyres were obviously not identical to those from the 2024 range, the acquired data has still been useful to confirm the results of simulations and the indications from the test bed. It should also be noted that the FIA has ensured that a gravel strip is added to the outside of some kerbs to dissuade drivers from overstepping the mark to go quicker.”
Pirelli to bring hardest compounds to Qatar Grand Prix
With the Lusail circuit being one of the most punishing circuits on the current calendar, Pirelli has elected to bring the three hardest compounds from its range of tyres.
This includes an appearance for the C1, C2 and C3 compounds as the hard, medium and soft respectively for the weekend.
| Qatar Track Changes in Full | Section of the Lusail circuit |
| 2m wide gravel strip installed behind kerbs | Exits Turns 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15 |
| Kerb height reduced at corner exit | Exit Turns 1, 2, 4, 10, 13, 14 |
| Kerb hiegh reduced at corner entry | Turn 12 |
| Kerb height reduced at corner entry | |
| White line moved to a distance of 1.5m to gravel at exit | Turns 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, and entry to Turn 12 |
It is the third time F1 has returned to Qatar following a hiatus in 2022 owing to the country hosting the FIFA World Cup in the months leading up to the planned race.
Mercedes will be hoping to continue their current form from Las Vegas, while McLaren and Ferrari are both embroiled in a battle for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
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