The hardest slick tyre in the Pirelli range. Formulated for circuits that impart extreme lateral and thermal loads into the carcass. High resistance to overheating and blistering, ideal for abrasive asphalt and prolonged high-speed cornering.
- Mechanical grip
- Low (Baseline)
- Degradation
- Very Low
- Warm-up
- Slow (Requires 2-3 aggressive preparation laps)
- Target stint window
- 40 - 55 laps
Strengths
- Virtually immune to thermal blistering
- Maintains constant pace across 40+ laps
- High structural rigidity for 250+ km/h corners
Trade-offs
- Very hard to warm up in cool ambient conditions
- Susceptible to cold-tear graining if pushed before core temperature is reached
Typical circuits
Silverstone, Suzuka, Barcelona-Catalunya, Zandvoort, Bahrain
A highly versatile hard/medium compound. Serves as the Hard tyre on medium-to-high severity tracks or the Medium compound on aggressive circuits. Provides high durability while giving drivers superior mechanical traction compared to C1.
- Mechanical grip
- Medium-Low
- Degradation
- Low
- Warm-up
- Moderate-Slow (1-2 push preparation laps)
- Target stint window
- 32 - 45 laps
Strengths
- Broad operating temperature window
- Resistant to graining under high fuel loads
- Excellent stability under heavy trail-braking
Trade-offs
- Can feel numb on low-grip track surfaces before rubbering in
Typical circuits
Spa-Francorchamps, COTA (Austin), Jeddah, Suzuka, Lusail (Qatar)
Pirelli’s most adaptable compound and the reference point of modern Formula 1. Sits right in the center of the hardness scale. Selected for every single race of the season—acting as Soft on high-energy tracks, Medium on balanced circuits, or Hard on street tracks.
- Mechanical grip
- Medium (Optimal Balance)
- Degradation
- Moderate
- Warm-up
- Fast (1 prep lap / immediate bite)
- Target stint window
- 22 - 35 laps
Strengths
- Ideal balance between mechanical grip and thermal degradation
- Predictable linear drop-off curve
- Exceptional driver feedback at the limit
Trade-offs
- Can suffer thermal degradation if stuck in aerodynamic "dirty air" behind another car
Typical circuits
Used at 100% of all Grand Prix either as Hard, Medium, or Soft!
High-performance compound tailored for low-to-medium roughness tracks. Rapid warm-up characteristics make it the primary qualifying weapon on low-abrasion circuits and a decisive sprint/undercut option during the Grand Prix.
- Mechanical grip
- High
- Degradation
- High-Moderate
- Warm-up
- Very Fast (Immediate peak grip on out-lap)
- Target stint window
- 16 - 26 laps
Strengths
- Instant mechanical grip out of slow hairpins and chicanes
- Minimal out-lap warm-up preparation required
- High traction off the start grid
Trade-offs
- Prone to surface blistering if sustained lateral load is applied at high track temps (>40°C)
Typical circuits
Monza, Montreal (Gilles Villeneuve), Spielberg, Baku, COTA
The softest standard compound in Pirelli’s arsenal. Engineered specifically for street circuits and venues with smooth, slippery asphalt requiring pure mechanical adhesion. Produces the fastest single-lap qualifying times but demands precise management to prevent thermal cliffs.
- Mechanical grip
- Maximum Slicks
- Degradation
- High
- Warm-up
- Instantaneous (Peak performance within Sector 1)
- Target stint window
- 10 - 18 laps
Strengths
- Maximum mechanical adhesion over bumps and painted kerbs
- Peak grip on qualifying flying laps
- Superior traction zone acceleration
Trade-offs
- Fast thermal drop-off; single lap qualifying peak; high degradation over 12+ laps
Typical circuits
Monaco, Singapore (Marina Bay), Las Vegas, Imola, Hungaroring
Pirelli’s prototype ultra-soft compound formulated to combat graining on the slickest, tightest street circuits like Monaco where cars generate lower aerodynamic downforce at slow corner speeds.
- Mechanical grip
- Extreme
- Degradation
- Extreme
- Warm-up
- Instant
- Target stint window
- 8 - 14 laps
Strengths
- Unprecedented low-speed mechanical bite
- Fastest turn-in response on smooth surfaces
Trade-offs
- Extremely rapid wear; unsuitable for any high-speed loaded turns
Typical circuits
Monaco (specialist designation), Specialist street tests
The most crucial tyre in variable weather. Features directional grooves capable of displacing 30 litres of water every second. Can be pushed on a drying track where drivers search for standing water on straights to cool the rubber.
- Mechanical grip
- Variable (Damp to Wet)
- Degradation
- High on dry track; Low in wet
- Warm-up
- Weather dependent
- Water evacuation
- 30 Litres / sec at 300 km/h per tyre
Strengths
- Seamless crossover between wet and slick conditions
- Operates without pre-heating blankets if required
Trade-offs
- Overheats and sheds tread chunks (delamination) if track dries completely
Typical circuits
Damp tracks, drying lines, passing rain showers
Pirelli’s extreme wet weather tyre. Features deep tread blocks designed to prevent hydroplaning by pumping 85 litres of water per second into the air at top speed. Modern generation runs blanket-free with immediate chemical warm-up.
- Mechanical grip
- Wet Anti-Aquaplaning
- Degradation
- Severe on damp / dry track
- Warm-up
- Weather dependent
- Water evacuation
- 85 Litres / sec at 300 km/h per tyre
Strengths
- Ultimate aquaplaning resistance through deep puddles
- No tyre warmers needed
Trade-offs
- Massive spray reduces visibility for following drivers; slow on drying asphalt
Typical circuits
Monsoon rain, standing water, torrential downpours