R1 – Tyre Selection

It’s officially race weekend (finally) and the 2025 season is here, we are back in Australia for Round 1.

The track surface has not changed since it was renewed in 2022 and is not too harsh on the tyres.
The only modification to the track layout, which features some sections made up of roads usually open to normal traffic, comes at Turn 6 and 7 where the barriers and kerbs have been modified.

5.278 kilometres long, the circuit combines both fast straights with low to medium speed technical corners and some heavy braking points.

Summer is sliding into autumn at this time of year in Australia and the weather can be very changeable, with big swings in temperature from one day to the next and rain has been known to put in an appearance.

Having softened up its compound choices last year, Pirelli has confirmed the same compounds for the opening round, with the trio of C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), C5 (Soft).
However, compared to a year ago the tyres have evolved in terms of the characteristics of both construction and compound.

Last year, the most popular strategy was a two-step, with the Hard tyre doing most of the work, completing 80% of all the laps, with an average stint length of 22 laps.
Only three drivers opted to start on the Soft, while two drivers lined up on Hard tyres, making Medium the most popular compound on the grid.