Pirelli's Quest to Optimize Wet Weather Tires in Formula 1
In contemporary Formula 1, the sight of cars utilizing full wet weather tires during a race weekend is becoming increasingly uncommon. This trend is primarily driven by concerns over visibility, as the significant spray generated in heavy rain severely impedes a driver's sightlines. Despite ongoing efforts by the FIA to mitigate spray with current car designs, substantial progress remains elusive, compounded by unsuccessful trials with wheel covers. Beyond visibility, the inherent characteristics of the wet tires themselves present a major challenge, with numerous drivers, including world champion Max Verstappen, voicing a preference for intermediate tires even when conditions might suggest the use of full wets. Pirelli, the sole tire supplier, is actively working to enhance the performance of its wet weather compounds, particularly focusing on the transition point between intermediate and full wet tires.
Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport, Mario Isola, disclosed that a primary objective for the 2025 season was to establish the optimal crossover point for full wet tires at approximately 115-116% of dry lap times. However, practical application has shown this threshold to be closer to 118%. A more profound revelation emerged from an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com: a complex issue beyond simple aquaplaning. Drivers' complaints, initially interpreted as aquaplaning concerns, were, in fact, rooted in a loss of grip during cornering.
Isola further clarified that this diminished grip is largely attributable to the design of the tire’s tread blocks. When engineers prioritize countering aquaplaning, they incorporate more grooves into the tire. This design, however, leads to smaller, more flexible tread blocks. Such increased movement generates excessive heat, causing the wet tires to overheat. Paradoxically, this overheating then results in a loss of grip, which is the underlying performance issue drivers have been reporting. To mitigate this, Pirelli has already implemented minor modifications to the tread pattern of current wet tires, aiming to reduce block movement and consequently, overheating, especially on tracks with higher intensity. This strategic adjustment seeks to improve tire performance without a complete redesign.
Looking ahead to 2026, a significant overhaul of Formula 1 regulations is anticipated, which will include entirely new tire specifications. This presents Pirelli with a prime opportunity to introduce more substantial improvements to their wet weather compounds. The initial target for 2026 is to refine the crossover point between intermediate and full wet tires, ensuring that teams can seamlessly switch between them without a notable drop in performance. Pirelli is also exploring the possibility of introducing a completely different tread pattern, designed to address the overheating and grip issues more comprehensively. A persistent challenge in this development process remains the limited testing opportunities. Pirelli emphasizes that while drivers and teams frequently express dissatisfaction with full wet tires, the constraints on testing in realistic wet conditions—particularly on high-severity tracks without controlled water levels—make it difficult to gather adequate data for development. Nevertheless, Pirelli is adapting its testing protocols by preparing wet tires as a contingency for dry test days, allowing them to collect valuable data whenever natural rain occurs, even if not in a fully controlled environment, thus ensuring continued progress in tire evolution.
Pirelli's continuous efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing safety and competitive balance in Formula 1's challenging wet conditions. The focus remains on innovating tire technology to meet the sport's evolving demands, ensuring drivers have optimal grip and confidence, irrespective of the weather. As the automotive world progresses, these advancements will undoubtedly contribute to more thrilling and predictable races under adverse conditions, while reinforcing the crucial role of tire design in motorsport performance.