Blistering

Blistering is a type of tire damage that occurs when a racing tire overheats internally, causing the rubber layers to separate and form bubbles or craters on the tire surface.

This condition happens when excessive heat builds up within the tire, often due to aggressive driving, incorrect tire pressure, unsuitable tire compounds for track conditions, or high downforce settings. The damaged areas reduce the tire's contact with the track, resulting in decreased grip and slower lap times.

Drivers and teams prevent blistering by selecting appropriate tire compounds, maintaining correct tire pressures, adjusting car setup, and adopting smoother driving techniques. A famous example occurred at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix, where Kimi Raikkonen's victory chances diminished due to severe tire blistering.