The F1 2023 Qatar GP could see an unprecedented number of pit stops, with the FIA introducing a mandatory limit on stint length.
There has already been plenty of chaos in Qatar this weekend – following yesterday’s tyre announcement from the FIA. Tyre vulnerabilities seen in the previous F1 Grand Prix in Losail have again resurfaced, leading to a potentially chaotic race in 2023.
After Friday’s qualifying, the FIA carried out a series of inspections on the Pirelli tyres. It was determined that alterations to the circuit were necessary to protect the tyres’ structural integrity. At a venue where several drivers retired from punctures in the 2021 edition, action has been taken. Simply put, the aim is to prevent a scenario where numerous cars suffer retirements from tyre blowouts.
However, the situation continues to evolve. The FIA has just released further information about precautions for the Qatar GP. These changes (see below) will create several new variables for teams to calculate.
Official FIA Statement:
Due to the frequency of Safety Car interventions in yesterday’s Sprint, the tyre data available for analysis by Pirelli was insufficient to add to that already undertaken following previous track sessions.
In some cases, tyres that were analysed from the Sprint did show the initial onset of the separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords of the tyres.
As was the case in Free Practice 1, this issue has likely been caused by the high-frequency interference between the tyre sidewall. And the 50mm ‘pyramid’ kerbs used extensively at this circuit, aggravated by the propensity to ride those kerbs.
As a consequence, it has been decided by the FIA and Pirelli and after consultation with the teams on safety grounds, the following measures will be implemented for today’s Qatar Grand Prix:
- A mandatory limit of 18 laps of total tyre life per set will be imposed.
- The life of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.
- The FIA and Pirelli will communicate to the teams the remaining available laps for each set of used tyres at their disposal for the race and the criteria used to calculate that number.
- There is no direct mandate for at least three tyre-change pitstops during the race. However, this will be a consequence of the above guidelines should the race run its entire race distance.
- Any car deemed to have exceeded the tyre life lap limit will be reported to the Stewards as being run in unsafe condition.
- This information will be formally communicated to the teams in the Race Directors’ notes. Further updates will be issued as required.
Potential pit-stop madness
It was anticipated after Saturday’s action that three-stops could be mandated. The newly imposed 18-lap limit per stint means that – unless the race ends prematurely – there will be at least three stops.
There are more variables, however, to account for. Extra conditions have been added, with the FIA emphasizing that the tyre condition of used tyres will be taken into account. As a result, if a driver uses a worn set of tyres, they will be further restricted. For example, if a driver begins the race on 10-lap old mediums – they will not be allowed to complete 18 laps.
Suffice it to say, there are plenty of question marks and unknowns for today’s race. F1 is a sport where drama is fairly common, but the 2023 Qatar GP represents completely unknown territory. Drivers with numerous sets of fresh medium tyres (Stroll, Magnussen, Tsunoda and the Williams) have a huge advantage.
In any case, at a circuit where retirements are common, the Qatar GP could become a war of attrition. Endurance and strategy will likely trump absolute performance in the 17th round of the 2023 F1 season.
