Pirelli may reintroduce the maximum stint length rule in Qatar to tackle the renewed risk of punctures. In the past, Qatar has shown that tyre stress is extremely high, and for this reason Pirelli and Formula 1 are discussing an alternative plan to avoid failures. This proposal was already applied in 2023 due to the threat posed by the sharp kerbs on the circuit.
The Lusail track is one of the most demanding circuits in the entire championship when it comes to tyre management. The front-left tyre, in particular, is subjected to extremely high lateral loads throughout the lap, and in previous editions several drivers experienced punctures. Although the kerbs were modified last year, the issues have not disappeared entirely.
Pirelli’s proposed solution
Pirelli and Formula 1 are currently working to make a final decision, with only two weeks remaining before the Qatar Grand Prix. Simone Berra described the current situation regarding the possible introduction of a maximum number of laps for each stint: “We are still deciding. We are talking with the FIA, the teams and Formula 1. We will make a decision very soon, but for now nothing is official,” the Pirelli chief engineer said, as reported by Motorsport.com.
The threat of punctures has always been a key characteristic of this track. “Two years ago it was mainly about the kerbs,” he added. “Last year instead the issue was high wear, especially volumetric wear. This caused damage to the carcass. Obviously we take these parameters into account. The structure has not changed in terms of strength.”
Volumetric wear refers to the well-known rubber chunks that break off and accumulate on the track outside the racing line. The loss of surface material exposes the carcass more directly, increasing the possibility of a puncture. Introducing a maximum number of laps for each stint would force the teams to make at least one stop and prevent excessive tyre degradation.
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