Formula 1 Qatar GP
Pirelli mandates 25-lap stints for Qatar GP over tyre concerns
Pirelli limits each tyre set to a maximum of 25 laps at the Formula 1 Qatar GP due to tyre wear level predictions
Haydn Cobb
Published: Nov 17, 2025, 10:47 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Each tyre set will be limited to a maximum of 25 laps across the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix weekend due to tyre wear concerns, Pirelli has announced.
Following a decision in agreement with the FIA, F1 and the teams, each tyre set has been given the distance restriction of 25 laps of the Losail International Circuit after an analysis from the 2024 event.
It means the 57-lap Qatar GP will force drivers into a minimum of a two-stop race, but the sprint race won’t need to be interrupted by pitstops given the 19-lap length.
A Pirelli statement read: “This measure has been deemed necessary, following analysis of the tyres used in 2024. Last year, several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached the maximum wear level. These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy had increased the structural fatigue of the construction.”
Pirelli also explained the issue is different from the 2023 Qatar GP that also saw mandated maximum tyre stint lengths, because that was caused by the kerbs creating micro-lacerations in the tyres’ sidewalls. Subsequent modifications to the kerbs, plus gravel traps around them, avoided a repeat of this situation last year.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
All laps in practice, sprint qualifying, the sprint race, grand prix qualifying and the grand prix itself will be counted per tyre set, including laps completed under a safety car or a virtual safety car.
The only exclusions will be laps to the grid, formation laps and laps completed after the chequered flag in the sprint race and the grand prix.
Before the start of the grand prix, Pirelli will also inform the teams how many laps are still available for each set each driver has left remaining.
Pirelli has selected its hardest compound range for the Qatar GP: C1 as the hard, C2 as the medium and C3 as the soft. Under the sprint weekend regulations, each driver will be supplied with two sets of hards, four sets of mediums and six sets of softs for the entire race weekend.
Read Also:
Formula 1Two mandatory pitstops in F1? Pirelli open-minded about 2026 rule change options
Formula 1Pirelli plans C6 tyre changes for 2026 after Max Verstappen’s strong F1 criticism
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Sergio Perez hails Cadillac for rekindling his love for F1 as he embarks on "final big project"
Next article McLaren Racing announces F1 Academy expansion and signing of Ella Häkkinen
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Haydn Cobb
FIA reveals latest ADUO results in final review of 2026 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
FIA reveals latest ADUO results in final review of 2026 F1 season
Charles Leclerc penalised for Liam Lawson clash; Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman also punished after F1 Brazilian GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
Charles Leclerc penalised for Liam Lawson clash; Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman also punished after F1 Brazilian GP
Latest news
Frankie Muniz "a little sore" but released from hospital after Daytona crash
General
Misc General 2 min
Frankie Muniz "a little sore" but released from hospital after Daytona crash
Frankie Muniz transported to hospital after Daytona practice crash
General
Misc General 4 h
Frankie Muniz transported to hospital after Daytona practice crash
Ford unveils new Mustang body for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 4 h
Ford unveils new Mustang body for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
IndyCar 2026 season review: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 8 h
IndyCar 2026 season review: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Feature
Discover prime content
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Formula 1
By Kevin Turner
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe