Formula 1 is the top motorsport competition in which car constructors and drivers compete to be the fastest. Along with the significant R&D and technology budgets invested in a Formula One car, there is another factor that is crucial for the winners: The tire strategy.

Before indagating into this vital element, let’s determine why tires can decide so much in Formula 1.

Which Tires are used in Formula 1?

The three main tires pounds in a Formula One tire are Red, Yellow and White, which correspond to soft, medium, and hardy tires.

White Tyres / Hard Compound

White tires are harder, and therefore, they have less grip. But, on the other hand, they last longer than the others. The white tires are used for long stints, usually in the middle of the race. They dont let drivers set the best times, but they allow them to drive for quite a while (more than 40 laps) without bothering about graining and, consequently, the car slipping through the curves.

Profile: Durability.

Yellow Tyres / Medium Soft Compound

Yellow tires have a good grip as they are softer. The trade-off comes with durability. The medium-soft compound lasts less than the hard, and drivers cannot use it for more than 30 or 35 laps. However, when they are fresh, they can allow cars to reduce the time per lap considerably.

Profile: Balance

Red Tyres / Soft compound

Reds are the treasure for F1 cars. Soft as gum, they make the cars stick to the asphalt and drive much faster than any other. Unfortunately, the nature of its chewy compound makes them highly degradable and needs to be changed pretty fast (10 to 20 laps). These are also the wheels used in qualification, where cars run with very little fuel (less weight) to mark the fastest lap.

Profile: High Performance

Why is the Tyre Strategy crucial in Formula 1?

The tire game has become the holy grail of F1. Choosing the right tires at the right time can make you win a race or be left with no points. We have seen races where cars with white tires make almost the entire race without changing shoes, winning over others that stop several times.

We have also watched epic comebacks from Lewis Hamilton, like last year in Brazil, reaching the first position after starting last, thanks in part to his team’s tire strategy.

How to apply the F1 Tyre Strategy in our life

Choosing the proper set at the right moment can change your career or personal life.

This is what works for me:

White Tires

Unimportant and not urgent things. Protect your energy by using your most durable tires. For example consuming content, social media, emails, and other items commonly called admin. In other words, the boring stuff.

Yellow Tires

These are your intermediate shoes. Use them for things up a bit more substantial but not crucial. For example, important projects, meetings with decision-makers, or workshops.

Red Tires

Reddies are super quick, but they don’t last long, so you need to be mindful that, translated to your state of mind, it consumes lots of energy, and you won’t be able to maintain it for long.
Use them when you need to be laser-focused. For example, crucial presentations, interviews, negotiations, or public appearances.

There is no Silver Bullet

If you have seen an F1 race, teams’ tire strategies are quite different. Likely, every human is unique, and you need to create your tire strategy.

Find what works for you, but be aware that choosing the right tires is fundamental to managing your pace and energy. See you in the pit lane.