Pirelli is once again causing controversy ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix as the Italian tire manufacturer is enforcing a strict limit of 25 laps per stint for the weekend. The background is findings from the previous year: At that time, the analysis showed that several tires – especially on the left front axle – reached critical wear limits at the end of long stints of over 30 laps.
The high load on the “high-energy route” Losail had already forced Pirelli to take emergency measures in 2023. At that time, a maximum stint length of 18 laps was set, which led to a mandatory three-stop strategy.
In 2025, similar risks should be excluded by introducing a two-stop requirement.
Pirelli: The decision for Qatar was made in March
According to Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola, the decision was made in March. 2025 was seen as the ideal time because the route configuration was identical to last year: “We can understand exactly how the loads are developing,” said Isola. One thing is clear: the limit only applies to slicks – i.e. the C1, C2 and C3 mixtures available this weekend. Anyone who completes more than 25 laps in one set will face disqualification.
Isola also emphasizes that every lap driven counts. Also those behind the safety car and all in-run or cooldown laps in qualifying. There are only exceptions for the formation lap and everything after the checkered flag: “Otherwise it would be impossible to count correctly – both for us and for spectators and the media,” he explains.
However, this makes strange strategy cases possible: What if a safety car comes onto the track with 26 laps to go? Normally it’s an ideal time to change tires, but is it still the case if you have to change tires again on the last lap?
If the pit lane is closed: Race management may intervene
Pirelli consciously wants to avoid a gray area. However, if a broken down car leads to the pit lane being closed, the decision-making authority lies with the race management. According to Isola, the FIA could “in an emergency also extend the limit” if an exceptional safety situation arises.
Isola believes it is impossible for teams to try to tactically outsmart the limit: “It is clearly defined. There is no leeway.” This is intended to prevent conditions from occurring again like in 2023, when tire wear made short-term changes to the regulations necessary.
Is there a threat of a tactical debacle?
But not everyone in the paddock thinks the limit is the best solution. Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley, for example, fears that the diversity of strategies will suffer as a result of the requirement: “It will just be a bit of a procession,” he warns. Since practically all drivers are forced to make at least two stops, there are hardly any different approaches.
Pirelli clearly disagrees. Isola: “In a 57-lap race, 25 laps allow flexibility. Nobody necessarily has to stop on lap 24.” Teams could vary depending on the mixture, driving style and temperature window – or even start riskily with softs: “They know that they have to stop twice anyway. That can open up interesting options.”
But it is also a fact: Last year, over 35 laps were possible on the medium, and even then it still delivered good lap times. Pirelli is bringing the same range as in 2024, so a drastic increase in wear is not expected. This means that there are unlikely to be any significant tire deltas, which in turn makes undercut and overcut strategies less effective. Or to put it with Jonathan Wheatley: “It’s going to be a bit of a procession.”