Why are tire blankets so important for Formula 1 cars?

Why are tire blankets so important for Formula 1 cars?

F1 tire blankets

Formula 1, as a sport has grown massively over the years, and evolved as per the demands of the various parties that are associated with it.

Formula 1 is one of the most technologically advanced sports in the World, and with the help of this piece, we are going to dwell on the importance of tire blankets.

YouTube video

The tire blankets in the F1 have often gone under the radar because of the hustle and bustle on the track. However, as the sport has evolved, attention has also been amassed by the tire blankets.

FS Video

Not many people are aware, but tire blankets, play an immensely crucial role at the pinnacle of motor racing. Tire blankets help in keeping the temperatures at consistent levels which leads to finding optimum performance from the various compounds.

Formula 1
Formula 1

Moreover, tire blankets also play a part in keeping a team’s tire strategy under wraps from the various other competitors on an F1 grid.

Formula 1 blankets play a massive role in keeping tire temperatures at a consistent level

Formula 1

Now that we are aware of why tire blankets have been playing a crucial role in Formula 1 for many years, now let’s look at the material from which the blankets are made.

The tire blankets are made of insulin material, and house electric heating elements, to protect and heat the tires on an F1 livery before installation or replacement.

The main motive behind doing so is to keep the tire rubber at an optimal level before an F1 car leaves the pit lane.

Moreover, the blankets are heated by attaching a tire warmer that keeps the covers warm for a period of around 2 hours.

Pirelli tires

Once the technicians feel that the blankets have been heated to a certain level, they are taken off the tire warmer and put on the tires to keep the temperatures at the desired level.

The use of tire blankets is extremely superior in F1 as compared to other racing categories, but with the pace at which changes are taking place in the sport, there are genuine concerns that tire blankets can become a concept of the past in future years.