F1 Tyre Compounds Explained – C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6

C1, C2, C3, C4 (and C5, C6) are Pirelli’s range of dry tyre compounds for Formula 1, numbered from hardest to softest. C1 is the hardest and most durable compound, designed for circuits that generate the most heat and tyre stress. C6 is the softest and provides the most grip but wears out fastest. For each race weekend, Pirelli selects three compounds from this range, labelled as Hard, Medium, and Soft for that event.

Example: Pirelli have brought C2, C3, and C4 compounds this weekend, so we’ll be running the C4 as the Soft option.