Tyre Degradation

Tyre degradation refers to the loss of performance experienced by a Formula 1 tyre over the course of a stint. As a tyre is used, the rubber wears down, the tyre temperature changes, and the grip level decreases. High tyre degradation means the tyre loses performance quickly, requiring more frequent pit stops. Low tyre degradation means the tyre maintains performance for longer, allowing fewer stops. Tyre degradation is influenced by circuit characteristics (abrasive surfaces cause more wear), driving style (aggressive drivers cause more degradation), car setup (high downforce increases tyre load), and weather conditions (high temperatures increase degradation). Managing tyre degradation is a critical skill for F1 drivers — the ability to "look after" tyres while maintaining competitive lap times is highly valued.

Tyre degradation became a central strategic concept in F1 from 2011, when Pirelli introduced high-degradation tyres designed to create multiple pit stops. The 2012 season was particularly notable for its tyre strategy complexity — different compounds degraded at different rates, and teams had to carefully manage their tyre usage.