What the Qatar F1 track changes look like
Reprofiled kerbs and gravel strips aim to prevent repetition of last year’s tyre dramas
Kerbs detail
Photo by: Uncredited
Seven of the Qatar Formula 1 circuit’s 16 corners now feature new kerb profiles after changes ahead of the 2023 race resulted in damage which forced the FIA to impose maximum stint lengths during the race.
The kerbs rose to sharp 50mm points on their inner edges, with a steep drop-off, the intention being to dissuade drivers from taking liberties with track limits. But the high-speed nature of this circuit, combined with the length of time the cars spend on the kerbs, meant the sharply angled profiles had the unintended consequence of causing microscopic separations in the tyres’ sidewalls.
As Motorsport.com can reveal here, each kerb has in effect been ‘shaved’ to give a flatter top surface and a less abrupt drop-off on the outside edge. Tyres should therefore be operating under less duress as they ride the kerbs in normal conditions – and have a less forceful impact with the ground if the driver strays over the edge.
Kerbs detail
Photo by: Uncredited
Kerbs detail
Photo by: Uncredited
F1’s official tyre supplier, Pirelli, replicated the new kerb profiles on the dynamic test beds at its Milan R&D base and is confident the solution is robust. The company already brings the hardest three compounds in its range – C1, C2 and C3 – to Qatar but the failures last year, which prompted the FIA to impose a maximum stint length of 18 laps, were claimed not to be a factor of compound type.
Since the original so-called ‘Misano’ kerbs were installed as a deterrent against exceeding track limits, the FIA has had to find an alternative solution. As such the circuit owners have installed narrow gravel strips on the outer boundaries of the reprofiled kerbs.
Photos from Qatar GP Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday
Share Or Save This Story
Franco Colapinto: I have full support from Alpine F1 boss Flavio Briatore
How Isack Hadjar injured his wrist during F1 2026 summer break
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
"Whenever I watch TV, I think I would do better" – The real reason Fernando Alonso stays in F1
Max Verstappen to make GT3 return against Valentino Rossi, race on seven weekends in a row
Franco Colapinto: I have full support from Alpine F1 boss Flavio Briatore
Honda confirms Red Bull return as sponsor in MotoGP
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
Top 10 F1 results changed by backmarkers – the passes
The problem with Ferrari’s endless team principal speculation
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments