An emergency rule will be implemented at next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

An emergency rule will be in place at next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix (Image: GETTY)

The FIA and F1 have agreed to take emergency measures for next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix in the interests of driver safety. A special rule, which has also been approved by Pirelli, will be implemented to mitigate the risk of dangerous tyre blowouts. It has been deemed necessary due to the abrasive surface at the Lusail International Circuit.

The track has gained notoriety for its high tyre wear since the inaugural race in Qatar four years ago, putting the structural integrity of Pirelli’s rubber at risk. The special rule in place for next weekend’s Grand Prix will mandate that no tyre, across all sessions over the three days, completes more than 25 laps. It means every driver will be forced to make at least two pit stops over the 57-lap race.

In a statement, Pirelli said the decision followed regular meetings with teams and had been agreed between themselves, the FIA and F1 itself. Laps to the grid, formation laps and those completed after the chequered flag will not be included in the count.

Explaining why the rule had been introduced, Pirelli added: “This measure has been deemed necessary following analysis of the tyres used in 2024.

“Last year, several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached the maximum wear level. These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy, had increased the structural fatigue of the construction.

“In order to reduce the number of pit stops, the teams had worked on tyre degradation management, limiting performance drop off, which sometimes ran the risk of extending the stint beyond the useful life of the tyre.

“A similar precautionary measure had already been introduced at this track in 2023, although that was for different problems which are now resolved.

Tyres will only be allowed to complete a maximum of 25 laps (Image: GETTY)

“That year, repeatedly going over some kerbs had led to micro-lacerations in the tyres’ sidewalls.

“Last year, the subsequent modification to the pyramid kerbs, along with the addition of strips of gravel around them, had avoided a repetition of this situation.

“As already announced, Qatar will see the use of the hardest compounds in the Pirelli range: C1 as hard, C2 as medium and C3 as soft. As this is a sprint weekend, each driver will be supplied with two sets of hard, four of medium and six of soft.”

It remains to be seen if any drivers will be caught out by the increased tyre wear in Qatar next weekend. Lando Norris will be desperate to avoid any slip-ups as he closes in on the Drivers’ Championship title, having moved into a strong lead.

He currently sits 24 points ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who seemingly needs a miracle to claim the honours for himself. Max Verstappen can still mathematically win a fifth straight title but will need an unbelievable stroke of luck.