F1 Tire vs Normal Tire: Formula One (F1) racing is a high-speed, high-performance sport that demands the utmost precision and control from the drivers and their cars. One crucial component that plays a vital role in this sport is the tires. F1 tires are specially designed to provide maximum grip, stability, and durability on the track. In this article, we will compare F1 tires to normal passenger tires and discuss the key differences between the two.
Table of Contents
Composition and Design: F1 Tire vs Normal Tire
F1 tires are designed to maximize dry (and occasionally wet) performance within a specified range of distance (laps). Comfort, noise, wet and rolling resistance are not considered in F1, but they are key requirements for passenger car tires. As F1 tires from Pirelli are closely guarded secrets, there is not much information available about their construction properties. Fortunately, Scott from Driver61 was able to obtain a used F1 tire and create a cross-section for analysis. We will take this opportunity to conduct an in-depth construction analysis of an F1 tire and compare it to the standard passenger car tire currently in use
The picture above shows a cross-sectional view of an F1 tire (top) and a normal tire (bottom) in the same image. As mentioned in the video, the F1 tire is used, so some of its tread has worn off, but the other parts of the tire are still intact. We will use this as a basis to further explore the fine details that distinguish these two types of tires.
Sidewall
The first noticeable difference between the F1 tire and a standard passenger car tire is the sidewall thickness. Upon quick inspection, the minimum sidewall thickness of an F1 tire is around 2.2 mm, while that of a passenger car tire is approximately three times thicker at 6.3 mm. This difference reflects the distinct design requirements of each tire.
Minimum Sidewall Thickness
- F1 tire: 2.2mm
- Normal tire: 6.3mm
Before moving on, it’s worth noting that the upper sidewall area, commonly called the flexing zone, endures the highest stress of any part of the tire. Given that roads are not as smooth as F1 tracks and are often filled with potholes and debris, it makes sense to increase the upper sidewall area’s thickness in a passenger car tire. However, for F1 tires, which are designed to run on well-maintained tracks, engineers don’t have to worry as much about stress generation due to potholes. Additionally, reducing the amount of rubber in the sidewall makes it stiffer, which can improve handling and increase the cornering stiffness coefficient, defined as the force generated per degree of slip angle.
Bead & Apex
This is the part where F1 tires and passenger car tires share the most similarities. The main function of the bead is to keep the tire securely attached to the rim and prevent tire pressure loss. You can think of it as a tight rope that binds the tire and rim together. As shown in the image, the F1 tire has a 6 x 12 bead configuration, with six beads at the core and twelve more surrounding them, while the normal tire has a slightly lower 5 x 9 configuration. The number of beads required is a function of the load index, with higher loads requiring stronger tires. Overall, there isn’t much difference between F1 and normal tires when it comes to their bead structures.
Bead configuration
- F1 tire: 6 x 12
- Normal tire: 5 x 9
The same can be said for the apex. As shown in the image, the apex shape of both tires is the same. However, the apex compound plays a significant role in handling characteristics and is a major contributor to handling performance. I suspect that the apex compound used in F1 tires is much harder than the one used in passenger cars. The downside of using a hard apex is reduced comfort, but in the case of an F1 tire, this is not a significant concern.
Capply, Belt & Tread Depth
The first main difference you would notice when comparing an F1 tire to a normal tire is definitely the tread depth. Considering that this F1 tire is a slick tire with no pattern and has been used before, we measured a remaining tread depth of 3.5mm. In comparison to a normal tire, the tread depth of a new tire usually ranges from 7-9mm. The amount of tread depth is proportional to the tire’s mileage performance. Higher tread depth would yield higher mileage; however, this comes at a cost in terms of dry performance as lower tread depth is actually better for dry braking and handling. I guess in F1, this is also calculated to the millimeters as tires with the added advantage in dry conditions face the drawback of wear (number of laps).
Tread Depth
- F1 tire: 3.5mm (partially used)
- Normal tire: 7-9mm
Here comes the interesting part. A typical passenger car tire has 2 belts and a cap ply layer for its tread segment (as seen in the normal tire structure picture above). However, based on the provided picture, the F1 tire appears to have a much larger belt diameter and no cap ply configuration. Upon closer inspection, it has 3 belts, with the top and bottom belts having the same diameter range as the bead, while the intermediate belt has a much smaller diameter than the top and bottom belt. My main hypothesis for why F1 tires use this configuration is to ensure that the tread area is as stiff as possible in order to facilitate efficient force transfer from the transmission to the road. The amount of torque generated by an F1 engine is many times higher than that of normal vehicles, not to mention the higher amount of aerodynamic downforce exerted on the F1 tire.
Tread layout
- F1 tire: 3 belts, 0 capply
- Normal tire: 2 belts, 1 capply
Size and Weight:
Depending on the tire size, normal tires weigh about 7-20 kg. F1 tires, which are 18 inches in diameter with a width of 305 mm (front) / 405 mm (rear), weigh between 9.5-11.5 kg. So in addition to their large widths, the weight of an F1 tire is similar to that of a normal passenger car tire.
Size
- F1 tire: 305(front) / 405 (rear), 18 inches
- Normal tire: 225/45R17
Weight
- F1 tire: 9.5-11.5 kg
- Normal tire: 9 kg
Performance and Durability:
F1 tires are designed to perform at the highest levels of performance, with maximum grip and traction on the track. They are also built to withstand the high-speed forces that are generated during F1 racing, which can be over 5 times the force of gravity. F1 tires are designed to last only for a few races, and they are changed frequently during the season to maintain peak performance.
Normal passenger tires, on the other hand, are designed for durability and longevity. They are built to last for tens of thousands of miles and are optimized for everyday driving conditions. Passenger tires have a longer lifespan than F1 tires, and they are designed to perform well in a wide range of driving conditions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, F1 tires and normal passenger tires are vastly different in their composition, design, size, weight, performance, and durability. F1 tires are designed for maximum performance on the track, with maximum grip, traction, and stability at high speeds. Normal passenger tires, on the other hand, are optimized for everyday driving, with a focus on durability, fuel efficiency, and comfort. While the two types of tires may look similar, they are fundamentally different in their design and purpose.
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