F1

What’s the difference between F1 tyres?

Here’s our interactive guide to the seven different tyre compounds used in Formula One.
Written by Tom Bellingham
2 min readPublished on
F1 tyres from Pirelli

F1 tyres from Pirelli

© Pirelli

In recent years, mainly since Pirelli became F1’s tyre supplier in 2011, tyres have become one of the biggest talking points ahead of each Grand Prix weekend and it’s primarily down to the different compounds provided for each race.
As of 2016, instead of getting two different dry-weather compounds to use at each race, teams are now able to choose from three others on offer from Pirelli.
So that's five dry-compound tyres as well as the intermediates and full wets. But just what do they all do?
Hover over or tap on the image below to learn about each compound of tyre.
Drivers use a minimum of two different compounds during the course of a race (unless they’ve had to use intermediates or full wets at any point on Sunday afternoon) so a non-stop strategy is never possible.
Pirelli’s stated aim has been to return the races to having at least two stops and maybe even three. A further rehash to the rubber rules is that there is now a fifth dry compound this season, the “ultrasoft”, which has become the softest on offer, sporting purple-coloured sidewalls.
The new regulations have seen a greater variety of strategies adopted, as not all drivers will be running the same tyre types, let alone sticking to identical pitstop windows.

Part of this story

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

There are always thrills and spectacle as the stars come out at the stunning Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

United Arab Emirates

Brazilian Grand Prix

The penultimate race of the 2019 season takes place at Interlagos in São Paulo.

Brazil

Mexican Grand Prix

The Mexican GP is back once again at the much-loved Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Mexico

United States Grand Prix

F1’s visit to the United States takes place at the hi-tech Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

United States

Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix has been the scene of many thrilling races and championship deciders.

Japan

Malaysian Grand Prix

Since 1999 the Sepang International Circuit has been part of the F1 race calendar.

Malaysia

Singapore Grand Prix

Set against the backdrop of Marina Bay, the Singapore Grand Prix was Formula One’s first-ever night race.

Singapore

Italian Grand Prix

One of the longest-running events in motor racing, the Italian Grand Prix is the fastest track on the calendar.

Italy