Qatar Grand Prix could face disruption after ‘seri…read more
The Qatar Grand Prix is facing a potential disruption this weekend after
Formula 1’s tyre supplier, Pirelli, uncovered what it described as “serious tyre damage” during inspections carried out after Friday’s track activities. The alarming discovery has prompted both Pirelli and the FIA to begin close monitoring of the situation, with concerns that the safety of drivers and the flow of the race could be affected if the problem worsens.
According to early findings, the unexpected tyre degradation appears to be linked to the circuit’s gravel and kerb design. The Losail International Circuit, which only returned to the F1 calendar recently after undergoing modifications, features aggressive kerbs and several fast, sweeping corners that place unusually high stress on the tyres. Pirelli reported that some of the tyres inspected after practice sessions showed visible structural damage, particularly on the inner shoulder area. This type of wear is not typical and suggests that external factors on the track might be cutting into the tyre rubber more deeply than expected.
In response, the FIA has moved quickly to address the matter. Officials have launched a formal assessment of the gravel run-off zones, especially in corners where drivers tend to push the limits. They are also examining whether the circuit’s kerbs are contributing to the excessive wear. The combination of sharp gravel and heavy lateral loads could be creating a dangerous scenario, one that might lead to tyre failures if left unchecked.
This is not the first time tyre issues have cast a shadow over an F1 weekend. In previous seasons, Pirelli has had to issue revised guidelines, impose mandatory pressure adjustments, or even change tyre allocations mid-event when problems arose. However, the severity of the damage detected in Qatar appears to be especially concerning due to the speed and intensity of the circuit. Any failure at such high velocities could put drivers at significant risk.
As a precautionary measure, the FIA is considering several emergency interventions. These could include adjusting track limits to keep cars away from the most damaging areas, modifying the kerbs overnight, increasing the minimum tyre pressure, or imposing a limit on how long a set of tyres can be run during the race. Such measures have been used in rare cases, but the governing body has not ruled them out given the seriousness of the findings.
For the teams and drivers, the situation introduces a new layer of uncertainty. Strategies for qualifying and the race may have to be revised if tyre wear becomes a major limiting factor. Teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari rely heavily on precise tyre performance data to make decisions on pit stops, fuel loads, and driving styles. Any unexpected change could disrupt their preparation and alter the competitive balance of the weekend.
Drivers themselves have already expressed unease, noting that they felt unusual vibrations and instability during long runs. While no catastrophic failures occurred during Friday’s sessions, the discovery by Pirelli suggests that such risks cannot be ignored.
As the weekend continues, Pirelli engineers will carry out additional inspections after each session. The FIA is expected to provide updates and announce any rule changes before qualifying. Fans, teams, and drivers are now waiting to see whether the race can proceed as planned or if further action will be necessary to protect safety.
For now, the Qatar Grand Prix remains on schedule—but with the tyre situation hanging over the event, the remainder of the weekend could see rapid changes as officials work urgently to solve the problem.
