Graining

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB15 Mule during the Abu Dhabi November testing at Yas Marina Circuit on Wednesday December 15, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Zak Mauger / LAT Images)

Graining is a term used in Formula 1 racing to describe a phenomenon that occurs when a car's tires experience a loss of grip due to an accumulation of rubber particles on the surface of the tire. This typically occurs when the tire's surface becomes too hot and the rubber begins to soften and break down.

Graining can occur on both dry- and wet-weather tires, but it is more prevalent in dry-weather conditions. The tires in Formula 1 racing are made of a soft compound rubber that is designed to provide maximum grip on the track. However, when these tires get too hot, the rubber begins to soften and break down, which leads to the formation of rubber particles on the surface of the tire. These particles then adhere to the surface of the tire, reducing the tire's grip on the track.

Graining can be caused by a variety of factors, including high track temperatures, high tire pressures, and aggressive driving. Teams must carefully manage the temperature of the tires, and make adjustments to the tire pressures and car's setup to avoid graining.

When a driver experiences graining, they will typically feel a loss of grip and the car will be harder to handle. Drivers will experience understeer, oversteer and a lack of grip. Depending on the severity of the graining, the driver may need to make a pit stop to change tires and regain confidence in his car.