Pirelli announces tyre compounds for the opening three races of the 2024 F1 races

F1 Grand Prix, GP Singapore, Marina Bay Street Circuit

Just a few days after the 2023 season concludes, preparations are already underway for next year. As a result, Pirelli has already communicated the selection for the first three races next year in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

Following the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the F1 field stayed at the Yas Marina Circuit to perform a tyre test alongside the rookie test. F1's sole tyre supplier was able to have a final read on their 2024 compounds that have homologated for the next season.

The Milan-based manufacturer introduced a new compound, the C0 for 2023 which was the hardest compound last year with a new specification, the C1 slotted in between the C0 and C2. However, the C0 was never used during 2023 as Pirelli selected softer compounds for most of the races. Pirelli has now confirmed that the C0 has now been omitted, leaving only five compounds to chose from for the 2024 F1 calendar.

Compared to the initial selections for the championship last year, there’s a new selection for Australia, scheduled from March 22-24. Albert Park will now use the three softest tyres in the range: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium, and C5 as Soft. This selection is based on the data gathered this year, with the aim of offering more strategy options.

The two Middle East races will have the same tyres as last year. In Sakhir, from 29 February to March 2, is one of the toughest races for tyres and so will use the C1, C2, and C3. One week later in Jeddah, the tyres will be a step softer: C2 as the Hard, C3 as the Medium, and C4 as the Soft.

Before the season kicks off in Manama, the drivers will get the chance to try out all five compounds during the official testing which will take place as usual from 21-23 February in Sakhir.

Moreover, the 2024 F1 tyres will feature the FSC logo, marking the first occasion that a competition tyre range has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring total accountability throughout the supply chain and guaranteeing that the plantations from which the tyre’s components are sourced are managed in a way that preserves biodiversity and benefits local communities and workers, enhancing economic sustainability.