F1 drivers have to race on Pirelli tyres, and they can’t just pick whatever they want. There are rules about which compounds are available and which must be used during the race.
How many tyre types are there?
There are five dry tyre compounds:
- C1 = hardest
- C2
- C3
- C4
- C5 = softest
Each weekend, Pirelli brings three of them, labelled:
- Hard (white)
- Medium (yellow)
- Soft (red)
So “Hard” one weekend might be a C2, but a C1 the next.
Do drivers have to use more than one compound?
Yes — in dry races, they must use at least two different dry compounds. That means one mandatory pit stop (unless it rains).
What if it rains?
If the track is declared wet, the mandatory tyre rule disappears. Drivers can stay on intermediates or full wets all race if needed.
Can teams choose their compounds?
No. Pirelli and the FIA decide which three compounds are used at each race. All teams get the same options.
What are the compound names on race weekends?
You’ll only hear “Hard,” “Medium,” and “Soft” — even though they’re different from race to race. The actual C1–C5 info is for teams and tyre nerds.
Why does F1 require two compounds in dry races?
To force strategy variation. If everyone could use just the fastest tyre, races would be more predictable and dull.
