Compound

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)

In Formula 1 racing, a compound refers to the type of tire used on the car. Formula 1 tires are specially designed to provide maximum grip and performance on the track. They are made up of a complex mixture of rubber compounds, which are carefully formulated to provide the right balance of traction, durability, and wear resistance.

There are three main types of compounds used in Formula 1 racing: soft, medium, and hard. Each compound has its own unique properties and is used in different racing conditions.

The soft compound tire is typically used in qualifying, where the goal is to achieve the fastest possible lap time. These tires have a higher level of grip and provide better traction, but they wear out more quickly than the other compounds. The letters on the sidewall are painted red.

The medium compound tire is used in races where the conditions are expected to be dry. These tires are designed to provide a balance of grip and durability, making them well-suited for long-distance races. The letters on the sidewall are painted yellow.

The hard compound tire is used in races where the conditions are expected to be wet. These tires are designed to provide maximum durability and wear resistance, as they are less likely to be affected by water and other adverse conditions. The letters on the sidewall are painted white.

Formula 1 teams will have to make strategic decisions on which compound to use in the race as it will have a huge impact on their performance and overall lap times, teams would also have to consider the weather conditions and the track they are racing on to make the best decision on the compound they would use.

In summary, a compound in Formula 1 racing refers to the type of tire used on the car, with different compounds being used depending on the racing conditions and the expected weather. These compounds are formulated to provide the right balance of grip, durability, and wear resistance, which allows teams to optimise their performance on the track.