The Evolution of Wet Tyres in Formula 1: Insights from Pirelli

The world of Formula 1 racing presents unique challenges and engineering marvels, particularly when it comes to the development of tyres. Among these, the wet tyre—designed specifically for rainy conditions—often faces scrutiny and analysis. Pirelli, the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula 1, is dedicated to enhancing the performance of these wet tyres to ensure they can perform effectively at racing speeds.

The Challenge of Wet Conditions

In the realm of motorsport, wet conditions can transform a high-speed race into a treacherous battle against visibility and grip. At racing speeds, Pirelli’s wet tyres are capable of displacing an astonishing 85 litres of water every second. However, this impressive capability is rarely put to the test, as conditions that necessitate the use of wet tyres often lead to race stoppages. Incidents in recent races, such as the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix and more recently in Sao Paulo, exemplify these challenges. During the Brazilian race, drivers opted to navigate the track on intermediate tyres, waiting for a red flag rather than risking their positions by switching to wet tyres.

Aiming for Better Performance

Pirelli is actively working towards improving its next-generation wet tyres, which will be introduced alongside the all-new cars in the upcoming season. The aim is to bridge the performance gap between wet and intermediate tyres. Currently, the wet tyres struggle with overheating and rapid degradation unless conditions are severely adverse—often leading to very limited use during races. For instance, in the current season, the wet tyre had a brief outing when Carlos Sainz utilized them during the Miami sprint, highlighting the need for a design that can handle a broader range of wet conditions.

Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport manager, has expressed optimism about the advancements being made. With the intermediate tyre already nearing its final design for the 2026 season, Pirelli is focused on validating new solutions for the extreme wet tyre. This includes establishing a more effective crossover point between the wet and intermediate tyres, ensuring that the wet tyre can serve as a reliable option during races rather than just under safety car conditions.

Visibility and Usability Issues

One of the critical factors affecting the effectiveness of wet tyres is visibility. While Pirelli cannot alter the fundamental challenges of visibility during heavy rain, they are making strides to enhance the usability of both wet and intermediate tyres. Isola stated, “We know that the issue with the extreme wet is visibility anyway. So, we are not going to fix this issue. But both the intermediate and the wet now are okay.”

Testing and Development

To assess the performance of the 2026 wet and intermediate compounds, Pirelli conducted tests at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, where drivers Charles Leclerc and Zhou Guanyu participated using a ‘mule car.’ This approach aimed to replicate the loadings expected from the next-generation cars, although it may not provide precise data. Additionally, the summer conditions in Emilia-Romagna posed challenges for testing, as the weather did not cooperate.

Establishing the ideal crossover point—when one type of tyre becomes more advantageous than another under changing conditions—requires careful analysis. Traditionally, the transition from slicks to intermediates occurs when lap times slow to 112% of the dry pace. In contrast, the previous generation of Pirelli wet tyres only became viable at a much slower 120% mark.

For the ongoing season, Pirelli introduced a new wet tyre specification featuring a different compound that is less sensitive to temperature variations, coupled with a new tread pattern designed to minimize lateral movement under load. Despite these enhancements, Pirelli was unable to perform a direct comparison test before the season commenced, and the new tyre found a crossover point around 118%—close to the 116% target set by Pirelli, but not quite there.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wet Tyres

The ultimate goal for Pirelli is to refine the performance of the wet tyre further. Isola mentioned, “Now it [the crossover between intermediate and wet] is 118% [of the dry-weather lap time]. We would like to go down to 116% or 115%, something like that.” By achieving a lower crossover percentage, Pirelli aims to create a wet tyre that can be utilized more effectively during races, allowing drivers to maintain competitive lap times without sacrificing safety.

The quest for optimal wet tyre performance is not just about speed; it also encompasses driver confidence in their ability to navigate wet conditions. By improving the tyre’s characteristics, Pirelli hopes to enhance the overall racing experience, ensuring that drivers can push their limits even in challenging weather.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pirelli’s ongoing development of wet tyres signifies a commitment to enhancing safety and performance in Formula 1. As the company works towards achieving a more effective crossover point between wet and intermediate tyres, the potential for thrilling racing in adverse conditions increases. The evolution of wet tyres is a testament to the continuous innovation within the sport, reflecting the intricate balance between engineering, safety, and competition.