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Tyres

Compound windows, degradation curves, stint strategy, and the physics of tyre grip.

Step 3of 6· Tyres

Core concepts

Key points

F1 tyres are the only contact patch between car and track. Every change in direction, speed, or temperature is communicated through those four patches.
Five dry compounds: C0 (hardest) through C5 (softest). Higher numbers generate more grip but degrade faster. Teams pick based on track characteristics and race strategy.
Tyre temperature is critical — too cold and grip is low, too hot and the rubber graining or blistering destroys performance. The optimal window is narrow and varies by compound.
A typical race stint starts with peak grip (fresh tyre), transitions through a plateau (optimal working range), then drops off as the rubber wears and the underlying carcass overheats.

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