Pirelli's New Tyres for F1 2025 Season Tested at Mexican GP
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Pirelli tests new tyres for the 2025 F1 season, including the C4, C5, and C6 compounds, at the Mexican Grand Prix. The drivers compare performance and race pace to determine improvements in tyre strategy.
Everything We Learned About Pirelli’s New Tyres for the 2025 F1 Season
Friday's running session at the Mexican Grand Prix was far from exciting in terms of on-track action, but it provided valuable insights into the tyres that Pirelli plans to introduce for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The teams participated in a crucial test, comparing the current 2024 tyres with new compounds set to be used in the upcoming season, including the all-new C6 tyre, which aims to replicate the grip levels of the old ultrasoft and hypersoft tyres.
The Pirelli Tyre Test Explained
During Friday's practice session (FP2), teams ran for an hour and a half under Pirelli's guidelines, evaluating the new 2025 tyres. Each driver was required to complete five performance laps with 20kg of fuel on board, testing both the 2024 base tyre and the new 2025 option tyre. Additionally, for long runs, teams compared two tyres by running 12 laps on track with 100kg of fuel in the car, providing more data on tyre durability and race pace.
The test run plan for each team and driver was laid out as follows:
Tyre Performance and Race Pace Comparisons
Initial plans were disrupted by a red flag caused by George Russell, halting the run and delaying the test as the TecPro barriers between turns 8 and 9 were changed. After the delay, the drivers managed to get back on track, but the lap times were less representative due to the altered session. Despite these interruptions, the comparison between teammates and their best laps post-red flag still provided valuable insights into the performance differences between the 2024 and 2025 tyre compounds.
Regarding the C5 (soft) tyre, the new 2025 version showed promising results. It appeared to be softer, providing better performance compared to the 2024 C5. This is particularly significant as Pirelli aims to address a recurring complaint from drivers about tyre overheating, especially in the softer compounds. Early indications suggest that Pirelli has successfully tackled this issue, making the 2025 C5 a much more reliable choice during races.
In terms of race pace, the 2025 C5 tyre also delivered solid results. McLaren drivers, in particular, completed strong long runs, showcasing the tyre’s durability and race potential.
The C6: A New Experimental Compound
A new addition to Pirelli's 2025 tyre range is the experimental C6 compound, designed to resemble the old ultrasoft and hypersoft tyres in terms of grip levels. This new compound aims to provide more grip, particularly on street circuits, and introduce more strategic variety into race plans. While it is difficult to assess the C6's one-lap performance from the limited data available, early indications suggest that it will require high management. Teams may prefer the C5 for race distances, given its proven stability and consistency over longer runs.
One notable observation from the test session was that Yuki Tsunoda finished FP2 in third place using the 2024 C5 tyre, not the experimental C6. This highlights the early uncertainty around the C6's capabilities, though it is expected to perform better in street circuit conditions.
The 2025 C4 Medium Tyre: A Surprising Performer
Perhaps the most surprising revelation from the tyre tests was the 2025 C4 medium compound. While it appeared similar in performance to the 2024 medium tyre during performance laps, it showed impressive consistency and stability during long runs. Drivers managed to achieve solid lap times with the C4, suggesting that it could become a favored option for race strategies in 2025, especially for those aiming for more stability during their stints.
Given that the C4 compound has been a popular choice in 2024 races, having a more stable version in 2025 could allow drivers to push harder during the race, without worrying about excessive tyre management. The early data from the test is promising in this respect.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pirelli and F1 Teams?
Following the Mexican GP, the drivers will again test these new compounds during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. This test will allow for a more intensive evaluation of the 2025 tyres and provide clearer insights into their performance across different conditions and circuits.
While it is still early days, the early results for the 2025 C4 and C5 compounds are encouraging. Both tyres show promise in terms of race pace and performance, with the C5 proving particularly stable. The experimental C6 compound, however, has yet to deliver the desired results, at least in the context of the Mexican GP test.
With the continuity in technical regulations heading into 2025, the data collected from this test will be valuable for teams and Pirelli. While the cars themselves will evolve, the tyre data gathered during these test sessions will provide a solid foundation for what is expected to be an exciting and competitive 2025 F1 season.
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