Official: FIA makes three stops in Qatar mandatory

All drivers will have to make at least three pit stops during today’s Qatar Grand Prix in Formula 1.

Earlier today the FIA announced that there is a possibility of this, as after Friday’s sessions Pirelli discovered a defect in the tires that were used in more than 20 laps. Due to the aggressive sidewalls and the time the drivers spend on them at high speed, the top layer of the tires started to separate from the base of the tire in those that were at least 20 laps in.

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After analyzing the tires that were used in yesterday’s sprint (19 laps), Pirelli have taken the decision to limit the duration of each individual run. Drivers will not be able to do stints of more than 18 laps, regardless of what type of tires they are on.

This practically guarantees that the race will feature at least three tire changes for each one, as it will be 57 laps long. Any driver who exceeds the limit of 18 laps will be disqualified from the race.