2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Tyres: Teams & Drivers
- Formula 1 arrives in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and Pirelli has announced the tyre compounds available to teams and drivers.
- Each driver will receive a total of 13 sets of dry tyres for the weekend. The allocation breaks down as follows: two sets of hard (C4),...
- The Baku City Circuit presents a unique challenge for tyres.
Pirelli Announces Tire Allocation for 2024 azerbaijan Grand Prix
What’s new: Softest compounds for baku
Formula 1 arrives in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and Pirelli has announced the tyre compounds available to teams and drivers. The selection prioritizes grip for the high-speed street circuit, featuring the softest range in Pirelli’s 2024 portfolio: C6 as soft, C5 as medium, and C4 as hard. This marks the return of the C6 compound, previously used at Imola, monaco, and Canada.
The Baku City Circuit is known for its long straights and tight corners, demanding a versatile tyre strategy.
Tyre Allocation Details
Each driver will receive a total of 13 sets of dry tyres for the weekend. The allocation breaks down as follows: two sets of hard (C4), three sets of medium (C5), and eight sets of soft (C6) compounds. In addition to the dry tyres, drivers will have access to intermediate (green) and wet (blue) tyres, should weather conditions necessitate their use.
| Compound | Color | Sets per Driver |
|---|---|---|
| C6 | Red (Soft) | 8 |
| C5 | Yellow (Medium) | 3 |
| C4 | White (Hard) | 2 |
| Intermediate | Green | Variable |
| Wet | Blue | Variable |
Why These Compounds? Baku’s Unique Demands
The Baku City Circuit presents a unique challenge for tyres. Its 6.003km (3.73 mile) layout features the longest straight in Formula 1 – 2.2km (1.37 miles) – leading into a tight, technical section. This combination generates high speeds and important braking forces, placing considerable stress on the tyres.
Pirelli’s choice of softer compounds aims to maximize grip through the corners while providing sufficient durability to withstand the demands of the long straight. The C6, in particular, is expected to offer a significant performance advantage, but its higher degradation rate will require careful management throughout the race. Data from previous races at Baku shows that tyre degradation is a critical factor in race strategy, frequently enough leading to multiple pit stops.
Strategic Implications for Teams
The tyre allocation suggests that teams will likely prioritize qualifying performance, aiming to secure a strong grid position to maximize their chances in the race. The soft tyre’s higher grip will be crucial for setting fast lap times in qualifying. However, race pace will depend on effectively managing tyre degradation.
One-stop strategies will be challenging due to the expected wear on the softer compounds. Teams may opt for a two-stop strategy, balancing performance and durability. The potential for Safety Car interventions, common at Baku due to the circuit’s characteristics, could also influence strategic decisions.