Tyre blistering occurs when the surface of a Formula 1 tyre overheats so severely that bubbles or blisters form beneath the rubber. This happens when a tyre generates more heat than it can safely manage, often due to aggressive driving, a car setup that puts too much load on the tyres, or running a compound that is too soft for the conditions. Blistered tyres lose grip rapidly and can force a driver into an earlier-than-planned pit stop.
Example: You can see the blistering on that right rear — he’s going to have to box very soon or he’ll lose serious time.
Blistering is not the same as graining. Graining is surface rubber tearing away at lower temperatures, while blistering involves overheating and bubbling beneath the tyre surface.
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