Pirelli’s Qatar Tyre Limit Locks In Two-Stop Race as Drivers Flag Vibrations

Overview

• Pirelli, with FIA and F1 approval, set a maximum of 25 laps per tyre set for the Qatar Sprint and Grand Prix.
• The 57-lap race length makes at least two pit stops unavoidable under the cap.
• Post-practice checks found tyre cuts that Pirelli attributed to gravel dragged onto the circuit, prompting a 1psi rise in minimum starting pressures and ongoing monitoring.
• George Russell and Oscar Piastri reported vibrations in the Sprint and defended Pirelli’s safety-led approach given heavy front-left wear at the track.
• McLaren CEO Zak Brown warned random tyre damage could influence the championship, while Haas boss Ayao Komatsu criticised the limit as detrimental to the race.