Pirelli’s Bold C6 Tyre to Disrupt F1 at Imola

13/05/2025
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Pirelli’s Bold C6 Tyre to Disrupt F1 at Imola

Pirelli introduces its softest-ever C6 tyre at Imola, aiming to shake up F1 strategy and reduce predictable one-stop Grand Prix races.

Formula 1 heads back to Europe for the heart of the season, and Pirelli is bringing something new to the table, a tyre compound that could change the game.

The iconic Imola circuit, officially named after Enzo and Dino Ferrari, will host the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, marking the first race of a crucial European stretch that runs until early September. It’s also home turf for Pirelli, who has chosen this moment to introduce a new and much-anticipated tyre: the C6.

What’s the C6, and Why Does It Matter?

The C6 is Pirelli’s softest compound in the 2025 range. For Imola, the tyre selection is the softest trio available:

  • C4 (hard)
  • C5 (medium)
  • C6 (soft)

This will be the C6’s first outing in a race weekend, none of the teams tested it during pre-season in Bahrain. It’s specifically designed for tracks that are gentle on tyres, and with Imola’s relatively smooth surface, the C6 could unlock new levels of grip during qualifying laps.

Its role in the race, however, remains uncertain. It’s unlikely to be used for long stints, but the data collected here, and later in Monaco and Montreal, will help Pirelli decide whether to bring it to other races later this season. The goal? Encourage more pit stops and put an end to predictable one-stop strategies.

Why This Matters for the Racing

Last year, one-stop strategies ruled at Imola. Most drivers started on the medium (C4), with a few choosing the hard (C3) and only two going for the soft (C5). Those who did start on softs had to pit twice due to high degradation, especially with track temperatures soaring above 50°C.

This year’s shift to a softer selection could shake things up. But overtaking at Imola is tough, there’s only one DRS zone and not many other chances to pass. Plus, the pit lane here is the longest on the calendar in terms of time lost. That’s a big reason why teams have stuck to single-stop plans in the past.

Still, with the new C6 in play and strategy under the spotlight, this weekend might just bring the unexpected. If Pirelli’s gamble pays off, it could make a real difference, not just at Imola, but across the rest of the season.

Also in the Paddock

From Monaco to Montreal: Every Pirelli Tyre Will See Action

Pirelli unveils tyre plans for Monaco, Spain, and Canada, using every compound from softest C6 to the toughest C1.

Pirelli has confirmed its tyre compound selections for the next three Formula 1 races, Monaco, Spain, and Canada, and for the first time this season, all six compounds from the 2025 range will be used on track.

For the tight, twisty street circuits of Monaco and Montreal, Pirelli will supply its softest trio:

  • C4 (hard)
  • C5 (medium)
  • C6 (soft)

These are the same compounds selected for Imola. It’s no surprise given the low-energy nature of these city circuits. The C6, introduced at the end of 2024, was specifically developed to offer more strategic flexibility at tracks where tyre wear and lateral forces are minimal. However, Montreal’s long straights and heavy braking zones will still test the limits of these softer tyres, as will Imola’s mixed layout.

In Monaco, tyre degradation is almost nonexistent due to the track’s low grip and slow corners. That makes overtaking nearly impossible and strategy very straightforward, until now. In a bid to shake up the usual procession on race day, F1 and the FIA have mandated two pit stops this year, with drivers required to use at least two different compounds. It’s a rare move aimed at creating more unpredictability in Sunday’s race, since qualifying is typically the main event at this historic venue.

Between Monaco and Montreal, the calendar heads to Spain, another classic Grand Prix. Held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, this race presents a completely different challenge. Long, fast corners and high track temperatures put extreme stress on tyres, particularly through thermal degradation.

As a result, Pirelli is going with the hardest available trio:

  • C1 (hard)
  • C2 (medium)
  • C3 (soft)

This is the same selection already used earlier this year in Bahrain and Suzuka, two circuits known for punishing tyres over long stints.

With tyre strategy set to vary dramatically over the next three races, teams and fans alike can expect an intriguing mix of pace, tactics, and unpredictability as the season moves deeper into its European phase.

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