In a shocking turn of events, the FIA has declared a groundbreaking mandatory tyre regulation for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, following a significant change from the rules enforced at the Monaco GP. The Formula 1 scene was left in dismay after the two-stop race mandate failed to bring the expected excitement at the Monaco GP last weekend, with drivers criticizing the lack of overtaking opportunities and deeming the imposed strategy as ‘unsporting’.
For the Monaco GP, the softest set of Pirelli tyre compounds was utilized, featuring the C6 as the soft tyre. However, F1’s tyre supplier has decided to shake things up for the forthcoming race in Barcelona. A tougher set of tyres is set to make an appearance at the Spanish GP, with the C3 designated as the soft tyre, the C2 as the medium, and the C1 as the hard compound, as per an official statement from the FIA. This alteration by Pirelli to introduce harder compounds is a response to the rigorous demands that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya places on the tyres.
The Spanish GP not only heralds a new tyre regulation but also signifies a pivotal moment in the 2025 F1 season for teams as they gear up for the FIA’s more stringent assessments on flexible front wings. Teams like Ferrari are expected to introduce updated components to their cars in compliance with the new technical directive, with the Barcelona race poised to be a make-or-break situation for the Scuderia. Reports suggest that Ferrari has minimized the level of flex on their wings in 2025 as opposed to rivals McLaren, who have enjoyed a competitive edge at the forefront of the field since the season opener in Australia.
The permissible level of flex on front wings is set to be reduced from 15mm to 10mm, mere months after tighter restrictions on rear wings were put into effect at the Chinese GP. With significant changes on the horizon, the Spanish Grand Prix is gearing up to be a thrilling spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.
