Tyre blanket

A member of the Red Bull Racing team works on tyres with blankets in the Paddock

Tyre blanket is a device used in Formula 1 (F1) racing to regulate the temperature of racing tyres before a race or during a pit stop.

During a race, the tyres of an F1 car experience a lot of stress and heat due to high-speed racing and the friction generated between the tyre and the track surface. In order to perform at their best, the tyres need to be heated to a specific temperature range, which varies depending on the type of tyre and the track conditions.

This is where tyre blankets come in. A tyre blanket is essentially a heating element that is wrapped around the tyre and connected to a temperature control unit. The blanket heats up the tyre to the desired temperature range, which helps to improve tyre grip, traction and performance during the race.

The temperature of the tyres can be monitored and adjusted by the pit crew using the temperature control unit. This allows the team to fine-tune the temperature of the tyres to suit the specific track conditions, and ensures that the tyres are at their optimum temperature when they are put on the car.

Tyre blankets are particularly useful during pit stops, when the tyres need to be changed quickly. By preheating the tyres with tyre blankets, the pit crew can reduce the time it takes to change the tyres and get the car back on the track.

While tyre blankets are a common sight in F1 racing, they are not without controversy. Some teams have been accused of using illegal heating methods to gain an advantage over their competitors. The FIA, the governing body of F1, has strict regulations regarding the use of tyre blankets, and teams are closely monitored to ensure they comply with the rules.

Tyre blankets are an essential tool in F1 racing that help teams to maintain the optimum temperature of their tyres for optimal performance on the track.