Overview
- Post‑practice inspections revealed deep tread cuts on tyres from all four corners, which Pirelli traced to gravel dragged onto the racing line.
- Some cuts reached the construction but no cords were severed and no pressure loss has been reported so far, according to Pirelli.
- Pirelli raised minimum starting pressures by 1 psi to 29 psi front and 24.5 psi rear for slicks and will intensify checks through the sprint and grand prix.
- New and extended gravel traps at Turns 6, 10 and 16, plus an earlier‑starting strip at Turn 14, are the identified sources of sharp debris.
- A 25‑lap maximum usage per tyre set remains in force for the weekend, further constraining strategy at the high‑load Lusail circuit.