Tire Compound

A tire compound is the specific mixture of rubber and other materials used to create a racing tire's tread surface, determining its grip level and durability.

Different compounds range from soft to hard. Soft compounds provide maximum grip for faster lap times but wear out quickly, while harder compounds offer less grip but last longer. This balance between grip and longevity makes compound selection a critical strategic decision in motorsport.

Weather and track conditions heavily influence compound choice. For example, Formula 1 uses color-coded compounds (red for soft, yellow for medium, white for hard) to help spectators understand team strategies. In wet conditions, specially designed compounds with grooves to channel water away are used instead of dry-weather "slick" tires.