Key Highlights
- Formula 1 drivers will make at least two pit-stops during the Qatar Grand Prix.
- This measure is due to tyre restrictions and safety concerns highlighted by Pirelli.
- The Lusail International Circuit’s demands on tyres are high, leading to mandatory stops.
Why Drivers Must Make Two Pit-Stops in Qatar?
In a move that will significantly impact the strategy of drivers at the upcoming Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, Pirelli has imposed mandatory two pit-stops. This decision stems from an analysis of tyre wear and safety concerns highlighted during discussions with teams and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
Tyre Restrictions and Safety Concerns
Pirelli, the official tyre supplier for Formula 1, has enforced a maximum tyre usage limit. For the Qatar Grand Prix, which spans 57 laps of the Lusail International Circuit, teams are restricted to using tyres only up to the 25th lap before making their first pit-stop. This means that drivers will need to make at least two stops during the race.
The decision was made following an examination of tyre wear patterns from the previous year’s races.
According to Pirelli, “Several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached maximum wear levels,” leading to increased structural fatigue and safety risks. The company explained that these conditions were exacerbated by high lateral energy demands on the tyres.
The Circuit Demands
The Lusail International Circuit is known for its challenging nature on tyres due to high energy, thermal stress, and wear. This necessitated the use of the hardest tyre compounds available from Pirelli’s range: C1 (hard), C2 (medium), and C3 (soft). Each driver will start with two sets of hard tyres, four medium tyres, and six soft tyres for the main race.
For the shorter 19-lap sprint race, additional intermediates and full wet-weather tyres are also available. While weather conditions in Qatar during the Grand Prix weekend are expected to be dry and sunny, teams will still need to prepare for potential changes on track.
Past Experience
Previous experiences with tyre restrictions have shown that they can greatly influence race strategies. In the 2024 Qatar race, drivers Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz both suffered punctures due to high levels of tyre wear. This has led Pirelli to implement more stringent measures this year to ensure driver safety.
Interestingly, this is not the first time teams have faced such restrictions in the 2025 season. At the Monaco Grand Prix, drivers were required to make two mandatory pit-stops to improve on-track action and maintain competitive racing.
Final Thoughts
The Qatar Grand Prix will be a crucial test for teams as they navigate the new tyre restrictions and adapt their strategies accordingly. The decision by Pirelli reflects ongoing efforts to balance performance with safety in one of Formula 1’s most challenging circuits.
As the race approaches, fans can expect an exciting spectacle that combines strategic thinking, driver skill, and the relentless demands of the Lusail International Circuit. Stay tuned for updates on how these restrictions will shape the outcome of this high-stakes event.
