The raw materials
Every F1 tyre begins with a carefully guarded mix of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, and over 200 other ingredients. The exact composition of each compound is one of Pirelli's most closely guarded secrets — a single change in the ratio of ingredients can alter the tyre's behavior by tenths of a second per lap.
The manufacturing process
F1 tyres are hand-built, not machine-made. Each tyre takes approximately 45 minutes to construct, and the process involves several stages:
- Inner liner: A layer of butyl rubber that holds the air pressure
- Carcass: Layers of fabric and steel cord that give the tyre its structure
- Bead: Steel wire rings that secure the tyre to the wheel rim
- Sidewall: The visible outer layer, including the colored compound marking
- Tread: The outermost layer, which for dry tyres is completely smooth (slick)
Each stage is performed by skilled technicians who have spent years mastering the craft. The precision required is extraordinary — a deviation of even a few millimeters can affect the tyre's performance.
Curing and quality control
Once built, the tyre is placed in a curing press where heat and pressure vulcanize the rubber, giving it its final shape and properties. The curing process is critical — too much heat and the rubber becomes brittle; too little and it remains too soft.
Every F1 tyre undergoes rigorous quality control. X-rays, ultrasonic testing, and visual inspections ensure that each tyre meets Pirelli's exacting standards. A single defect can mean the difference between a race-winning tyre and a dangerous one.
The 2026 changes
For 2026, Pirelli has adjusted the compound range (removing C6) and modified the construction to suit the lighter, lower-downforce cars. The manufacturing process remains the same, but the compounds have been recalibrated to work with the new aerodynamic and mechanical demands.