F1 in Schools and ​Pirelli

An exciting partnership, bringing the unmistakable brand of the official tyre supplier to Formula 1 to F1 in Schools cars. 

Pirelli has partnered with the new F1 in Schools Primary Class programme to make young people passionate about Formula 1 and the technologies that revolve around the world of Motorsport.

Pirelli is enthusiastic about joining the initiative, providing wheel stickers with the trademarks of its tyres: both the slick models for dry asphalt and the wet versions for wet roads, with the tread design to be applied to the miniature wheels.

​Formula 1 strongly believes in this programme which targets youths, and has therefore included it among the main initiatives of its programme of social responsibility and fight against diversity and encouraging inclusion.  In addition, the activity is included in educational programmes referred to as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to encourage the study of scientific subjects.

​All the Formula 1 teams in the paddock have joined the project, and they will also be taking part in various presentations and sharing promotional opportunities - as soon as the Covid-19 situation allows it.  Formula 1 hopes to showcase at a selection of Grand Prix, or with events at the team premises and with the presence of technicians and drivers.

Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, F1 in Schools, says of the partnership, “It’s fantastic that Pirelli have joined with us to make sure our F1 in Schools Primary Class cars can be as authentic as possible.  All the F1 Teams have shared their race car liveries with us, so having Pirelli branded wheels, and even the tyre tread, makes the finished car even more realistic”.

Pirelli: Focus on tyre compounds

Since 2011, Pirelli supplies its ultra high performance tyres to all teams competing in the FIA F1 World Championship™, providing approximately 1.800 tyres per race and about 40.000 tyres per season, including both race weekends and test sessions.

​Different compounds are made available by Pirelli for each specific race, with selection based on a number of factor including weather, circuit’s characteristics, asphalt and other.

Since 2019, each compound no longer has a permanent allocated colour: instead they are numbered C1 to C5, with C1 being the hardest and C5 being the softest. 

C1

It’s the hardest tyre in the Pirelli range. It’s designed for circuits that put the highest energy loadings through the tyres or high ambient temperatures. The compound takes longer to warm up but offers maximum durability and provides low degradation.

C2

C2 is a versatile compound that comes into its own on circuits that tend towards high speeds, temperatures, and energy loadings. This tyre has demonstrated an ample working range and adaptability to a wide variety of different circuits.

C3

This tyre strikes a very good balance between performance and durability, with the accent on performance. It can be used as the softest compound at a high-severity track as well as the hardest compound at a low severity track or street circuit.

C4

This tyre works well on tight and twisty circuits. It has a rapid warmup and huge peak performance, but a relatively limited overall life. However, the improved consistency of this year’s compounds should mean that the softer rubber is capable of more versatile use.

C5

​The softest compound is suitable for all circuits that
demand high levels of mechanical grip, but the trade-off for this extra speed and adhesion is a considerably shorter lifespan than the other tyres in the range. Getting the most out of it is a key to race strategy.

​INTERMEDIATE

The intermediates are the most versatile of the rain tyres. They can be used on a wet track with no standing water, as well as a drying surface. This tyre evacuates 30 litres of water per second per tyre at 300kph. The compound has been designed to expand the working range, guaranteeing a proper crossover both with the slicks and the full wets.

WET

The full wet tyres are the most effective solution for heavy rain. These tyres can evacuate 85 litres of water per second per tyre at 300kph. The profile has been designed to increase resistance to aquaplaning, which gives the tyre more grip in heavy rain. The diameter of the full wet tyre is 10mm wider than the slick tyre.