F1 drivers must make at least two pit stops during the Qatar Grand Prix – a maximum of 25 laps may be driven on one set of tires
After two mandatory pit stops in Formula 1 at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, drivers will again have to pit at least twice at the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of November – but for different reasons.
While the measure in Monaco was purely to improve the show, this time safety concerns are playing a role. Because the tires have already reached their limits at the Lusail International Circuit in previous years, the FIA, Formula 1, and tire manufacturer Pirelli have agreed on a maximum number of laps for the tires.
Each set of tires may be used for a maximum of 25 laps over the weekend. As Sunday’s Grand Prix will be run over 57 laps, this means that every driver will have to come in for service at least twice. The maximum number of laps also includes laps behind the safety car or virtual safety car. Only laps on the starting grid, formation laps, and laps after crossing the finish line are not subject to the restriction.
Sprint still possible without pit stop
There will also be a sprint on Saturday during the Qatar weekend. However, as this will only be held over 19 laps, the teams can theoretically drive through without a pit stop. However, the basic restriction also applies here.
For example, if a driver starts the sprint on a used set of tires that has already completed seven laps, he would also have to make a pit stop in Saturday’s race. The issue is therefore likely to cause a lot of calculations over the weekend.
This is because, especially on a sprint weekend where the number of tires is limited, it is not uncommon for teams to use tires in the race that they have already used before. On Sunday in Qatar, these tires may then only be used for 25 laps, minus the distance already covered.
Pirelli therefore explains: “Before the start of the Grand Prix, Pirelli will inform the teams how many laps are still available for each set of tires.” The measure itself is justified by “analyses” carried out after the race in 2024.
Tire problems in Qatar as early as 2023
“Last year, several tires, especially the left front tire, reached the maximum wear level,” Pirelli said. Therefore, it was “necessary” to take appropriate countermeasures before this year’s Grand Prix.
Pirelli had already set a maximum number of laps for the tires for the race in Qatar in 2023. At that time, it was only 18 laps, which is why two years ago, three pit stops per driver were mandatory.
The Italians emphasize that the problem at the time, which was caused by the new kerbs on the track, has now been “resolved” because the kerbs were subsequently modified for the 2024 race. Nevertheless, based on last year’s observations, they do not want to take any risks.
Apart from that, nothing will change in terms of the tire situation. The C1 to C3 compounds, Pirelli’s three hardest options, will be used in Qatar, and because it is a sprint weekend, the drivers will only have two sets of hard tires, four sets of medium tires, and six sets of soft tires at their disposal.