Formula 1 faces yet another mid-weekend change: front and rear tire pressures increased by 1 psi
It’s been a turbulent day for Formula 1—first the investigation into Leclerc, then the risk of disqualification for Williams, and now another unexpected change ahead of the Chinese GP.
The FIA has officially announced a major update regarding tire pressures for the remainder of the race weekend. In response to technical requirements and track conditions, the governing body has decided to raise the minimum starting pressures for both the front and rear tires.
Pirelli Adjusts Tire Pressures: Who Will Be Affected?
Pirelli, Formula 1’s official tire supplier (and from 2027, also in MotoGP), has quickly updated its parameters, increasing pressures by 1 psi on both axles. The minimum front tire pressure will now rise from 26.5 psi to 27.5 psi, while the rear tires will go from 23.0 psi to 24.0 psi.
Who will be the most impacted by this change? It’s hard to determine before we see the cars on track, but one thing is certain: the feel for all 20 drivers on the grid will change significantly.
The increase in minimum pressures aims to improve stability and safety during the race, addressing concerns raised in previous test sessions and races.
Now, all eyes are on the track to see how this adjustment will shape the weekend’s dynamics and which driver will adapt the quickest. The real test comes tomorrow at 4:00 AM, when the fight for pole position—currently led by Lewis Hamilton—will truly heat up.
Photo: Formula 1
