New tires and rims in Formula 1 - what has changed?

New tires in Formula 1 are practically an annual standard, and this year they have also undergone significant changes.

Learn how the new solutions differ. Formula 1's wheel designs were also revised last year, so the combined impact of the new tires and wheels on racing is quite significant and is evident during the current season.

Why are tires and rims important in Formula 1?

Rims and tires are incredibly important in Formula 1, as they are in any race, although the higher the speeds, the more important they become. The situation is similar in everyday cars, although the extreme driving conditions that are commonplace in F1 racing are rarely exploited in street traffic. Tires provide the vehicle's grip on the road, which is crucial for acceleration, cornering, and braking. Of course, overall performance is determined not only by the tire but also by the rims and suspension, which are tuned in F1 before each race.

Formula 1 tire changes - what exactly has changed?

Changes to Formula 1 tires are practically constant. Starting in the 2022 season, the rim size has been changed to a larger size, which means the profile height (sidewall height) of the tire remains the same. In 2023, the tire compound composition was changed – both for dry and wet conditions, as well as for intermediate tires.

1. Tire width

Formula 1 tires have retained their width—305 millimeters on the front axle and 405 millimeters on the rear axle. However, their height has increased—from 670 millimeters before 2022 to 720 millimeters now.

2. Construction and related changes

As mentioned, the increase in rim diameter from 13 to 18 inches means a significant reduction in sidewall height. As expected, this Formula 1 tire design impacted the cars' handling. The lower sidewalls translate into greater cornering stability and less impact on the car's aerodynamics. This means fewer differences between the vehicles of different F1 teams, which build their own vehicles but use identical tires from Pirelli.

3. New rubber compounds

For 2023, Pirelli has changed the compounds used to make its Formula 1 tires. The new compounds are significantly harder to withstand the ever-increasing loads associated with more powerful and more agile cars. The changes apply to both the dry slick compounds and the wet and intermediate tires.

New rims in Formula 1 - what are the most important changes?

Changes to Formula 1 rims are much less frequent than those to tires or other components, which are constantly changing. Nevertheless, Formula 1 rims also saw a specification change in 2022.

1. Bigger rims

Since the 1960s, F1 tire rims have been 13 inches in diameter. This has now been changed to 18 inches. The main reason cited was to make more space for the enormous brake discs and improve their ventilation.

2. Use of composite technologies

Although composite tyres have been tested at various times, Formula 1 rims are currently made from an aluminium-magnesium alloy and supplied by a single manufacturer, BBS.

How do changes to tires and rims affect Formula 1 racing?

Each change of tires and rims influences, to a greater or lesser extent, the characteristics of the cars, and therefore also the course of the races, their speed and the possibility of direct competition between drivers.

1. Improved traction and grip

Larger wheels provide significantly better traction, which is important when accelerating, braking, and taking fast corners.

2. Increased speed and performance

A larger rim means more weight, which should slightly slow the cars down. Changes to tire deflection—a smaller profile means less deflection—have a positive impact on aerodynamics. The cars are already faster due to other modifications, so changes were made to the rims and tires to withstand the new loads. Overall, the cars' speed and performance have increased.

3. Security and risk minimization

Better compounds, among other things, offer greater durability. This translates into improved safety, as tire failure at 300 kilometers per hour can be very serious, and now it's less likely.

The aerodynamic changes resulting from the larger wheels should make direct battles between drivers a bit easier. Until now, aerodynamic downforce has dropped so much when following someone behind, making overtaking in these conditions very difficult. This should now be easier, which should enhance the spectacle that is every Formula 1 race.

What are the challenges of new tyres and rims in Formula 1?

Every change requires drivers and teams to adapt to new rules and conditions.

1. Testing and optimization of the structure

Testing is one of the most important aspects. Suspension, aerodynamics, and many other components are adjusted for each track, the expected weather, the individual driver, and many other variables. The wheel changes necessitated a slightly softer suspension.

2. Adjusting your racing strategies

Tire durability often changes the strategy for the entire race, with the number of tire changes and the timing of pit stops often crucial. Strategies are developed before the race, but they are just as often changed on the fly, for example, when a safety car is deployed.

3. Preparation of technical teams and drivers

The change in tire compound also impacted the use of electric blankets to warm the tires. Previously, the tires were heated to 100 degrees Celsius at the front and 80 degrees Celsius at the rear. This was reduced to 70 degrees, then 50 degrees, and in 2024, the use of pre-start tire warmers with heating blankets is planned to be completely abandoned. For the team and drivers, this means adapting to the fact that the start of the race will take place in completely different conditions.

It's difficult to predict what future changes to Formula 1 tires or rims will look like. For now, it's likely a continuous evolution toward more durable and lighter materials. Perhaps F1 rim technology will one day shift to using lightweight and durable carbon composites, and tires will cease being inflated and instead be made of some kind of foam, something the civilian industry has been discussing and predicting for years, though no commercially available solutions are yet available. In everyday motoring, aluminum rims and treaded tires dominate, which can be inflated with nitrogen, as is the case in F1 and other racing series.

It's worth mentioning that not all changes are driven by the desire to improve the performance of F1 cars. Environmental measures have a significant impact. After each F1 race, approximately 1,800 tires, some worn, remain. In F1, a tire is considered worn if it has been stretched onto the rim. Reducing the number of worn tires is certainly an environmentally friendly measure, although it does impact the course of the races. The new tire regulations in F1 will likely be geared toward environmental sustainability, regardless of the opinions of racing fans.

Business and marketing also have a significant influence on Formula One racing. Currently, there is a monopoly on both tires (Pirelli) and rims (BBS). This wasn't always the case, and other racing series often use tires from Yokohama and many other manufacturers.