Alex Albon mentioned that understanding the C6 tires was challenging during his qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where he secured the seventh position. The introduction of the C6 compound by Pirelli in 2025 aimed to add a softer option for teams. The plan to debut the C6 tire later shifted to the Imola circuit to enhance strategic choices in races.
The goal behind introducing the C6 compound was to diversify the strategic options available to teams and create more exciting racing for spectators. However, finding the right balance in tire selection remains critical to avoid overly soft compounds being used only in qualifying sessions. Some drivers and teams favored the medium tires due to concerns about the C6’s performance degradation.
The C6 tire struggled to maintain performance in high-speed corners, leading to challenges for drivers during the race. The feedback from drivers suggested that the C6 compound might be too soft for both qualifying and race conditions. The evolving tire strategies in Formula 1 reflect the ongoing efforts to improve race excitement while maintaining a level playing field for all teams.
