What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Pirelli have announced which tyres they will be bringing to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix – the first Sprint weekend of the season.

F1’s official tyre suppliers have chosen to bring the three softest tyres in their range, with the teams being able to call upon the C3 (hard tyre), C4 (medium tyre), and the C5 (soft tyre), with Pirelli expecting the three softest compound tyres in their range to suit the characteristics of the Baku City Circuit.

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However, due to the revised Sprint format, there will be a change in the number of sets of tyres given to the teams. While Pirelli will once again bring two sets of the hard tyre, they will also nominate four sets of the mediums, and just six sets of the softs.

The amount of medium compound tyres will be increased because of Saturday’s Sprint shootout, which will require the teams to run the mediums in both SQ1 and SQ2, with the softs only being used in SQ3.

"Baku presents a unique set of characteristics on the Formula 1 calendar with a very slow section that’s typical of a street circuit, as well as other parts of the track that are very fast," said Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola.

"We’re bringing the three softest compounds in the 2023 range, which are well suited to this venue. One of the most crucial aspects to the weekend will be not only finding the right compromise in terms of setup, but also balancing the tyre management.

"The tyres on the front axle needs to be warm enough to guarantee optimal grip – despite the long straights cooling them down – but it’s equally important not to overheat the rears in the traction phase.

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"So the key is to balance the temperatures successfully between front and rear, because there’s a big risk of lock-ups and the walls in Azerbaijan take no prisoners, as we’ve seen in previous races here."

Isola added: "This year, the Sprint Shootout makes its debut on Saturday morning to determine the grid for the Sprint Race in the afternoon, with drivers obliged to use one set of mediums for each of the first two Shootout sessions, then a set of soft for the final session.

"This presents an extra challenge for the teams and also for Pirelli as there will be less long run data available, but we’re confident that it provides an opportunity to add to the spectacular show of a Formula 1 grand prix weekend.”

Baku will also play host to the Formula 2 races this weekend, and Pirelli have given the teams the yellow medium and purple supersoft tyres ahead of all the action.

For more information about Pirelli’s Formula 1 tyres, visit pirelli.com.