The hard tire under development by Pirelli likely to be abandoned, the C4 reinforced

The tires brought by Pirelli to Formula 1 range from the hardest (Compound 1) to the softest, compound 5. Between 1 and 5, there are therefore different levels of hardness. The problem currently noted by the teams is that C2 is too close to the hard tire C1 and too far from the behavior of the soft tire C3. This allows teams to favor the softer of the two tires, the C2, when it is in competition with the C1. The C1 is therefore rarely used.

Mario Isola was questioned following the tests of the C2 2024 in free 1 of the Japan Grand Prix: « Looking at the data, and also considering the evolution of the track, I think the prototype doesn’t have the grip we were looking for. So, we will likely stick to the current C2 for next year. Without clear result, without clear progress in terms of grip, there is no reason to change and introduce a new compound while we have the current C2 that works well. »

« He is a little too close to the C1, and a little too far from the C3, and that’s why we wanted to test the prototype. » explained the Pirelli Sports Director.

Other soft tyres tested for 2024 in Mexico

During the Mexican Grand Prix, Pirelli will test the C4 tires version 2024 during the free practice 1. The goal this time is not to change the hardness of the tire, but to better manage its degradation: « The goal is not to modify the C4, as its position is good. But the C4 has shown quite a bit of graining over the course of the season. We therefore wish to improve the mechanical resistance and have a wider working range, as the feedback from the teams is that the C4 is a bit too complicated. »

In Mexico, the teams will be able to compare with the C3, C4 and C5 tires which will be allowed during the Grand Prix. Note that last year, the C2, C3 and C4 were allowed.