Formula One’s official tire manufacturer, Pirelli, has issued tire-life limits for tomorrow’s 2023 Qatar Grand Prix due to safety concerns after a post-qualifying session analysis of tire degradation – imposing a 20-lap limit for new tires and 22-lap limit for used tires in the race.
Additionally, track limits have been revised in Turns 12 and 13 due to the pyramid kerbs used at the track and there may yet be a mandatory three pit stop rule for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
FiA, Formula 1’s governing body, said Pirelli had noticed “a separation in the sidewall” when they checked tires after Friday’s grand prix qualifying session and that “a significant number of additional laps on these tires could result in circumferential damage of the tires, leading to failure”.
Pirelli added: “This issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tire sidewall and the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity [of drivers] to ride those kerbs.”
Pirelli will further analyze the tires after this morning’s 19-lap sprint race to determine whether more changes are needed for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, McLaren and Oscar Piastri surprised Red Bull by qualifying first and second in the aforementioned combination sprint race shootout/lap time delete-a-thon.
2023 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race Shootout – Top 10 Qualifiers
1] Oscar Piastri McLaren
2] Lando Norris McLaren
3] Max Verstappen Red Bull
4] George Russell Mercedes
5] Carlos Sainz, Jr. Ferrari
6] Charles Leclerc Ferrari
7] Nico Hulkenberg Haas
8] Sergio Perez Red Bull
9] Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
10] Esteban Ocon Alpine
