F1 tyre compounds explained

Slick compounds

Softer compounds grip faster but degrade quicker. Harder compounds are slower initially but can run longer stints. Pirelli selects three compounds per event from their range.

• Soft — maximum one-lap pace, short stints
• Medium — balance for race stints
• Hard — durable, slower warm-up

Mandatory use in the race

Drivers must use at least two compounds in a dry Grand Prix unless a wet tyre is used. That forces at least one pit stop in normal conditions.

Teams choose which compound to start on based on grid position, overtaking risk and expected degradation.

Intermediates and full wets

Intermediates suit damp tracks without heavy standing water. Full wets are for heavy rain. The race director decides when conditions allow slicks again — often the most dramatic strategy calls of the season.