--- description: "Tyre compound in F1 explained: the seven Pirelli dry compounds from C0 to C6, wet compounds, how they are nominated per event, and the two-compound race rule." title: "Tyre compound in F1: Pirelli C0 to C6 range and race rules" image: https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/11-thursday-lecastellet-330x220.jpg --- [Skip to main content](#content) ![Change language](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/themes/f1fansite/images/flags-svg/gb.svg?v=2) [![F1-Fansite.com](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/themes/f1fansite/images/logo-mob.png)](https://www.f1-fansite.com/) ![](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-spa-header.jpg) [![Try F1 on Apple TV for 7 days](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F1-Launch_Refresh2_Static_Affiliate_728x90_US-EN.jpg)](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-on-apple-tv/) [![F1-Fansite.com](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/themes/f1fansite/images/logo.png)](https://www.f1-fansite.com/) [Sign in](https://www.f1-fansite.com/login/) - [Home](https://www.f1-fansite.com/) - [F1 News](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/) - [F1 2026](https://www.f1-fansite.com/2026-formula-1-season/) - [F1 2027](https://www.f1-fansite.com/2027-formula-1-season/) - [All Time](https://www.f1-fansite.com/all-time-f1-archive/) - [F1 Stats](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-statistics/) - [Photos](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-wallpapers/) - [F1 Fans](https://www.f1-fansite.com/fans/) - [F1 Quiz](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-quizzes/) - [F1 Tickets](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-tickets/) - [F1 Merchandise](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-merchandise/) - Add to home screen [Sign in](https://www.f1-fansite.com/login/) [Next session![Sepang International Circuit](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/themes/f1fansite/images/flags-svg/my.svg?v=2) MY Bahrain Grand Prix · FP100d 00h 00m 00s](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-calendar/bahrain-grand-prix/) [Next session![Sepang International Circuit](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/themes/f1fansite/images/flags-svg/my.svg?v=2) MY Bahrain Grand Prix · FP100d 00h 00m 00s](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-calendar/bahrain-grand-prix/) # Compound [![Compound](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/11-thursday-lecastellet-330x220.jpg)](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/11-thursday-lecastellet.jpg) Pirelli tyres in the paddock during the French GP at Circuit Paul Ricard on Thursday June 17, 2021 in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Zak Mauger / LAT Images) **A compound in Formula 1 is the specific rubber recipe used in a Pirelli race tyre, and choosing the right one for each event is a mix of chemistry, engineering and race strategy.** Pirelli supplies six dry compounds and two wet compounds across the season, and every Grand Prix uses only a subset. Compound choice can shape a Sunday result as much as the aerodynamic package underneath the driver. ## What is a tyre compound in F1? A tyre compound is the specific chemical formulation of the rubber layer on a Pirelli tyre. It is a mixture of natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, carbon black, silica, oils, resins and vulcanisation agents. The proportions and molecular structure of that mixture determine how the tyre grips, how it wears, at what temperature it works, and how it responds to load and heat. ## Pirelli's current compound line-up - **C0:** the hardest dry compound, for the most demanding circuits; - **C1:** hard, chosen for high-degradation Grands Prix; - **C2:** medium-hard, the most common baseline; - **C3:** medium, the workhorse compound; - **C4:** soft, for street circuits and cooler races; - **C5:** softer still, quali-focused; - **C6:** the softest compound, introduced for selected events; - **Intermediate (green):** for damp or drying tracks; - **Full Wet (blue):** for standing water. ## How compounds are nominated per event Pirelli nominates three of the C0 to C6 compounds for each Grand Prix, marked with a white band on the sidewall for hard, yellow for medium, and red for soft. Circuits with high tyre stress use harder nominations. Street circuits and cool-weather rounds use softer ones. The three nominated compounds define the possible race strategies for that weekend. ## The two-compound rule Under standard dry conditions, the FIA requires each driver to use at least two different compounds during the race. This is what forces at least one pit stop. Wet or red-flagged races can waive the requirement. The compound choice at each pit stop is where undercut, overcut and Safety Car strategy meet chemistry. ## Frequently asked questions about tyre compounds ### What is a tyre compound in F1? A tyre compound is the specific chemical formulation of the rubber layer on a Pirelli tyre. Its recipe determines grip, wear rate, working temperature and durability. ### How many dry compounds does Pirelli produce? Currently seven, from C0 (hardest) to C6 (softest). Three are nominated for each Grand Prix as hard, medium and soft. ### What are the tyre sidewall colours? White band for hard, yellow for medium, red for soft on dry tyres. Green for intermediate and blue for full wet. ### How does Pirelli choose the compounds for each race? Based on circuit abrasion, ambient temperature and tyre-stress data collected in previous events. Softer compounds go to street circuits and cool races. Harder compounds go to Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka. ### Do drivers have to use different compounds during a race? Yes, under standard dry conditions. The FIA requires each driver to use at least two different compounds during the race. Last updated: 4 Jul 2026, 01:12 ### Join our FREE weekly F1 Newsletter Enter your email address & confirm your subscription You've already signed up, Thanks! 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