What Is a Flat Spot on an F1 Tyre?

A flat spot forms on a Formula 1 tyre when the wheel locks up under hard braking, causing one section of the tyre to scrub against the track surface rather than rolling normally. This grinds away a patch of rubber and leaves a flat section on what should be a perfectly round tyre. Once a flat spot exists, the tyre vibrates badly every time that section hits the track, which can be felt through the whole car. Severe flat spots almost always require an unplanned pit stop.

Example: There’s a massive flat spot on his front-left after that lock-up — the vibration will be enormous through the steering wheel.