F1 News: Qatar Grand Prix Maximum Lap Limit On Tyres Imposed After Issues This Weekend

Unexpected tire issues have resulted in immediate race-day tyre usage limitations.

In a dramatic response to unforeseen tyre issues, the FIA has mandated a maximum of 18 laps per tire set, enforcing at least three pit stops during the Qatar Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways

• Safety-First Decisions: After Pirelli identified signs of tread separation from the tire carcass during training, the FIA imposed a strict 18-lap limit per tire set to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of all participants.
• Track Limit Adjustments: In an attempt to mitigate tire damage, track limits in turns 13 and 14 were adjusted by 80 centimeters, aiming to deter drivers from utilizing the 50mm high curbs as part of their ideal racing line, which was causing detrimental tire wear.
• Future Implications: The Losail racetrack operator is tasked with modifying curbs across all corners for 2024, a complex undertaking that must also consider the requirements of MotoGP, potentially involving the transformation of some run-off areas from asphalt to gravel.

F1 Rumour: FIA Makes Last-Minute Change To Qatar GP After Multiple Driver Offences

On the Practice Session of this weekend's race, Pirelli discovered signs of separation between the tread and carcass on sets of tires used for 20 laps of FP1. This alarming discovery from the tyre partner prompted immediate action, with track limits being adjusted to prevent drivers from exploiting the high curbs, which were identified as a contributing factor to the tire degradation.

In a bid to assess the efficacy of the track limit adjustments, Saturday's sprint was designated as a trial run. However, due to three safety car phases, only twelve laps were completed at race pace, providing limited data for evaluation. A subsequent examination of the tires used during the sprint revealed continued signs of tread separation, indicating that the issue was not isolated to specific turns but was a pervasive problem across the entire racetrack.

Mercedes Press Image

Despite the imposition of new track limits and potential penalties for violations, drivers persistently exceeded track boundaries, venturing into the curb areas hazardous for tires. The FIA, prioritizing safety, responded with the imposition of a minimum running time on the day of the race.

These new regulations, then, limit laps on a single set of tyres to just 18 laps, and if a car goes over that, it will face a black flag and disqualification. 

Looking ahead to 2024, the Losail racetrack operator is confronted with the substantial task of modifying curbs in all corners, a task complicated by the need to accommodate MotoGP and potentially involving the conversion of some run-off areas to gravel beds.

Pirelli, looking to continue its contract with F1 into the future, will also need to improve their current level of service, because this lack of product and confidence in their product is appalling, to say the least.

The effect this will have on strategy will be interesting to watch.