Pirelli announce two stop race for Qatar

Formula 1 tyre suppliers, Pirelli, have announced the Qatar Grand Prix will be a two stop minimum race, citing concerns over tyre life.

Pirelli have mandated a maximum of 25 laps per tyre set, not including laps to grid, formation laps or laps after chequered flag.

The result of this means drivers will have to stop at least twice in the race, with the race 57 laps long. The supplier is bringing the three hardest compounds in the Pirelli range, but the concerns persist regardless.

📸 Hamilton suffers a puncture for Mercedes.

In their press release, Pirelli stated; “A similar precautionary measure had already been introduced at this track in 2023, although that was for different problems which are now resolved. That year, repeatedly going over some kerbs had led to micro-lacerations in the tyres’ sidewalls. Last year, the subsequent modification to the pyramid kerbs along with the addition of strips of gravel around them, had avoided a repetition of this situation.”

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited.