F1 fans are all making the same point after Pirelli announce ’embarrassing’ Qatar Grand Prix tyre rule

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Pirelli have come under fire several times in 2025 over the tyres they have supplied to Formula 1, and they have caused yet more controversy with their rules for the Qatar Grand Prix.

F1 heads to Las Vegas this weekend for the first race of the final triple header of the season. Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri by 24 points, with Qatar and Abu Dhabi following to close out 2025.

But the Qatar Grand Prix has sparked concerns over tyre wear for manufacturer Pirelli. As a result, they have mandated a limit of 25 laps per tyre for the race, effectively forcing drivers and teams to run a two-stop strategy for the 57-lap event.

This is not the first time Pirelli has implemented tyre restrictions in Qatar, as the kerbs on the circuit in 2023 were causing lacerations to the rubber. Changes to said kerbs prevented the problem from recurring in 2024, but in 2025, tyre wear has become an issue.

Drivers were forced into two pit stops at the Monaco GP in an attempt to improve racing, but it did little for racing action, with several teams holding up the field to score points. Martin Brundle was heavily critical of the mandatory rules, and fans have aimed more criticism at the Qatar GP.

F1 fans say Qatar Grand Prix is now more about strategy than pure pace after ’embarrassing’ Pirelli rule

Reacting to the tyre restrictions on X (formerly Twitter), fans were not impressed by the mandatory two pit stops. They think the Qatar GP will be more about strategy than pure racing.

One fan said: “That’ll force more pit stops and hand the weekend to whoever reads the tyre window first. Strategy over pure pace.”

Another user agreed: “Qatar really turning into a tyre survival race again, 25 lap cap says everything. Strategy calls might matter more than raw pace this weekend.”

“Woke nonsense, make teams gamble the risk of tyre blowing themselves just like they used to do the past 70 years before they did it the first time,” said one disgruntled fan.

Several fans aimed criticism at the tyre supplier, with one writing: “Pirelli need sacking if they can’t make tyres that can last.” Another simply said: “Embarrassing for Pirelli.”

“Isn’t it an issue if the tyre provider influences the race by developing a Tyre that forces a pit stop structure? They say it is for safety, but why not tell the teams the tyre ability and then let them decide to drive to the edge of the tyres expected life or play more conservative? Don’t mandate stops!!” said one fan.

READ MORE: Bernie Collins suggests ‘very specific’ way F1 teams could get around FIA’s new Monaco Grand Prix tyre rule

Pirelli have proposed mandatory two pit stops for future races

Pirelli are looking to impose mandatory pit stops on future races to make racing less predictable. While understandable, it would take away the excitement and risk for events as teams gamble with strategy and whether to run a one-stop or two-stop race.

Many people have the same thoughts, with F1 fans labelling Pirelli’s proposal as ‘stupid’. It would all depend on what the 2026 tyres are capable of under the new regulations, with the 2025 compounds proving to be more robust than ever.

Teams have been testing the new Pirelli tyres throughout the season, which are narrower to reduce drag. They are all trying to gain an advantage, with the teams sending ‘incorrect data’ to Pirelli as a ‘game of poker’ ahead of the 2026 season.

Pirelli are also planning a more aggressive soft tyre for next year, which would not go down well with the likes of Max Verstappen, who has complained about wear on the soft compound in 2025. This change could exacerbate the problem not just for him, but for everyone else on the grid.