Insights on Formula 1’s Wet Tyre Challenges
The use of full wet tyres in Formula 1 races has significantly diminished due to persistent visibility issues. High spray levels, especially under heavy rain conditions, pose a primary threat to driver sightlines, a situation worsened by the current generation of cars despite the FIA’s attempts to mitigate it. The introduction of wheel covers failed to produce noticeable improvements.
Multiple drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, have expressed a preference for intermediates over full wets, even when conditions suggest a switch is warranted. Pirelli is responding to this trend by reassessing the critical crossover point between the two tyre types. Currently, the crossover benchmark is hovering around 118% of dry lap times, rather than the desired 115-116%.
In a recent interview with Autosport, Pirelli’s head of motorsport, Mario Isola, highlighted a significant issue: the full wet’s tendency to lose grip during cornering. Isola noted, “We’ve slightly changed the development direction for the full wets… it was more related to a loss of grip in cornering than to actual aquaplaning.”
This grip erosion is primarily linked to tread block movement and subsequent overheating. “When you develop to fight aquaplaning, more grooves mean smaller tread blocks, which generate heat,” Isola explained. This alteration in tire design has inadvertently caused grip loss.
To address these problems, Pirelli has made incremental adjustments to the current wet tyre design to enhance performance and reduce overheating in demanding conditions. Further changes are anticipated as the 2026 regulatory overhaul approaches, which includes all-new tyre compounds. “Our first target is to improve the crossover point between intermediates and full wets,” Isola stated, indicating potential developments in tread patterns as well.
However, development remains challenging due to a lack of wet testing opportunities. Pirelli has adapted by integrating wet tyre tests into existing dry-track sessions. “At any circuit where we are going to test, we always have a backup plan with wet tyres available,” Isola confirmed. This strategy aims to optimize wet compounds despite unpredictable weather conditions.
In summary, while Pirelli is actively working on solutions to enhance the performance of full wet tyres, achieving balance between grip and aquaplaning resistance remains a formidable challenge in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.
