Mario Isola, the head of Pirelli Motorsport, has outlined in detail the reasons that led to the introduction of a maximum 25-lap limit per tyre set and the enforcement of at least two pit stops for the Qatar Grand Prix. His explanation covers both the historical background and the technical motivations behind this significant strategic restriction.
The penultimate round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship will host the final weekend featuring the Sprint format, and more importantly, the final event in which such strict strategic limitations apply for the traditional Sunday Grand Prix. With the Drivers’ Championship still potentially swinging between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, this rule change has become a major focal point for teams and fans.
What has sparked the most debate is the impossibility for teams to “play” freely with strategy. Each tyre may be used for no more than 25 laps, excluding formation laps, in-laps after sessions, and return laps after the race. This constraint severely narrows the strategic field and effectively dictates how teams must approach the race.
Providing a full overview of the decision taken jointly by Pirelli, the FIA and Formula 1, Mario Isola attempted to clarify every point that led to such a measure—one that is expected to have a considerable impact throughout the Lusail weekend.
Pirelli’s explanation: why the limit was necessary
Isola said: “The decision was discussed in March with the teams, because when you talk about Qatar you have to consider two situations. The first goes back to two years ago, when we had the problem with the kerbs. Afterwards the kerbs were modified and last year we didn’t find any issue. So the tearing we had in the tread compound of the carcass was no longer there.”
He continued: “The modification was successful. The point is that Qatar is a very high-energy circuit and so the wear level is quite high. And when the tyres are completely worn, especially the front-left one, the problem is that the structure is no longer protected.”
Isola added: “And any small piece of debris, every time they hit the kerb — because in any case the kerbs are still there and the corners and layout remain the same — there is a risk that the structure gets damaged. After the race we carried out some investigations and inspections on the tyres, as we usually do, and the result was that we believe that a good way to run safely is to limit the mileage. The only action that could be successful is basically limiting the mileage.”
He explained that this approach was shared with all parties: “This is what we discussed with the teams. The teams said, and obviously F1 and the FIA agreed, that for them it wasn’t a problem as long as they knew about it in advance. This is what we did, because it was March when we talked about it.”
How Pirelli arrived at the 25-lap figure
Isola clarified how Pirelli determined that 25 laps should be the maximum number for each tyre set throughout the weekend. The mileage did not cause any issues in 2024 and it allows a single set to be used comfortably for both the Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint Race, while still imposing at least two pit stops during Sunday’s Grand Prix.
“25 laps, we know it’s a mileage that didn’t cause any problem last year. The Sprint is 19 laps, so if you want to use one set for the Sprint Qualifying, you still have 19 laps for the Sprint plus six available for the Sprint Qualifying. So it’s the normal use of one set of tyres,” he said.
He continued: “And for the race it means they are basically forced to stop twice. It’s a limitation, obviously, but it’s not something that affects the Sprint or qualifying or anything else. Obviously this solution is meant for a two-stop race. Let’s see if it is also more fun besides the limitation I mentioned. This is the reason why we decided to go in this direction, basically.”
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