Pirelli Issues Warning Over Tire Cuts at Lusail
The Qatar Grand Prix weekend has taken an unexpected turn after Pirelli, Formula 1’s tire supplier, reported a series of unusual tire cuts during Friday’s sessions at the Lusail International Circuit. These cuts weren’t caused by normal wear, they came from sharp gravel dragged onto the racing line when drivers ran wide. Lusail added new gravel traps this year to enforce track limits more strictly, but the loose stones are now creating a serious threat to tire integrity. Even small cuts can become dangerous at high speed, especially in high-load corners where F1 tires are under extreme stress.
In response, Pirelli raised the minimum tire pressures to reduce the likelihood that a small cut becomes a full puncture. Higher pressures stiffen the tire, making it more resistant to sharp debris, but they also reduce grip and compromise performance. These adjustments come on top of already strict stint limits implemented because of Lusail’s abrasive surface. The FIA is monitoring the situation closely and may call for extra track cleaning, safety car deployments, or even procedural changes if conditions worsen. Teams are already preparing for a race where tire management may matter more than raw pace.
The situation has also sparked debate over whether the new gravel traps were the right solution. While they are meant to penalize drivers who exceed track limits, the unintended consequence is a hazard for every car on the circuit. In Formula 1, even small changes to gravel placement or composition can dramatically influence tire wear and safety. With tires already under heavy strain in Qatar, the added gravel has created a “perfect storm” that engineers usually work hard to avoid. Teams are adjusting their racing lines to dodge the riskier areas, but in F1, managing danger is rarely the same as eliminating it.
Ultimately, the tire-cut issue could have major implications for the weekend, especially with the championship battle still tight. Tire management has become a decisive factor, and every team will be forced to approach each stint with added caution. Pirelli and the FIA will continue monitoring closely, but the risk won’t fully disappear before lights out. Drivers and engineers are preparing for a Grand Prix where patience, precision, and restraint may matter more than outright speed. This additional layer of uncertainty could turn the Qatar Grand Prix into one of the most strategic races of the season.
