Following Pirelli’s introduction of the C6 tire in the current Formula 1 season, the compound did not sit well with Max Verstappen and several other drivers. This reaction has prompted the Italian manufacturer to consider the possibility of addressing the tire’s inadequacies.
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the most recent event where the C6 was utilized, many drivers chose to conserve their medium tires for the qualifying rounds instead of opting for the softs. Verstappen suggested that the Italian supplier should consider “leaving that tire at home” in future races.
“I believe it would be beneficial to have a discussion with Pirelli at some point, to suggest they simply omit that tire, as it complicates the entire weekend significantly. It prevents having a reliable reference point for the mediums until the qualifying session. This approach doesn’t seem logical.”
“Consider this, if the tire isn’t effective here, and it also proved ineffective in Monaco, Imola, and Montreal, then it would genuinely be preferable to simply leave it behind.”
These comments were, predictably, brought to the attention of Pirelli and its motorsport director, Mario Isola: “I am aware of the remarks. I haven’t had the chance to speak with Max yet, but I intend to do so [soon]. In any event, there is no immediate urgency, as there are no current plans to utilize the C6 in any other race this year.”
The intention was initially to use the softest compound in Singapore and Las Vegas, but Pirelli has since revised this decision. Isola clarified that this change was decided upon well in advance of Verstappen’s statements.
“The initial concept of using it in Singapore and Las Vegas was discarded due to the significantly higher energy demands in Singapore, and the temperature considerations in Las Vegas. The C6 can be prone to graining, making it a less viable choice.”
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team, receives his Pirelli Pole Position Award from Mario Isola, Racing Manager, Pirelli Motorsport
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
The decision makes sense for Singapore, given the hot conditions and the twisty nature of the street circuit, which could be demanding on Pirelli’s softest tire compound. However, why would Las Vegas present a problem? Typically, colder conditions would necessitate a softer compound for quicker activation.
“That is correct,” Isola acknowledged. “However, the softer the compound, the lower its mechanical resistance. This increases the likelihood of graining, particularly in colder conditions. Graining tends to cause damage to the tire, particularly in the early stages of use, when the tire is warmed using blankets but hasn’t reached its fully warmed state.
“In this state, the compound exhibits a degree of fragility in terms of mechanical resistance, potentially leading to graining. If graining starts, it can definitely affect performance. If the C5 tire is performing effectively without graining or with only minimal abrasion, it is preferable to stick with the C3, C4, and C5 options.”
Isola finds agreement with significant portions of Verstappen’s critique
So, did the C6 meet the benchmarks Pirelli had set for it? Considering that it is no longer being used on circuits it was initially intended for, and that driver criticism followed its use during race weekends, the question arises.
“If we want to identify something positive from the tire selection in Baku and in some other races, it introduced a degree of uncertainty into qualifying,” Isola responded.
“Some drivers preferred using the C6, while others favored the C5. The findings indicated that the C6 still delivered superior performance compared to the C5, but only by a small margin – likely around a couple of tenths.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images
This contrasts with Verstappen’s assertion that the softest compound was actually slower: “No, it maintained its status as the quickest, but its utilization posed greater challenges for the drivers. Its behavior is slightly more peaky or less predictable, making it somewhat difficult to fully exploit the performance potential of the C6.”
Nonetheless, Isola acknowledged that Verstappen’s observations were valid to some extent, and Pirelli is considering modifications for 2026.
“We are acutely aware that the current performance differential between the C5 and C6 tires is minimal. The objective for the upcoming year is to create a greater performance gap between these two compounds, ensuring the C6 occupies a more distinctive position,” Isola stated.
“This year marked the inaugural use of the C6, a compound we decided to introduce as a softer option than the C5. We have gained valuable insights from this experience, and we recognize the need for greater differentiation when we homologate the compounds for the following year.
“The key factor is that all compounds will undergo significant changes next year, corresponding to the changes in tyre specifications. However, I comprehend Max’s comments, which are generally in line with our own analyses, so I am in agreement with Max.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
