Eli5 – F1 cars have smooth tyres for grip yet on a normal car this would be certain death. Why do smooth tyres give F1 cars more grip yet normal cars less grip?

Question

Eli5 – F1 cars have smooth tyres for grip yet on a normal car this would be certain death. Why do smooth tyres give F1 cars more grip yet normal cars less grip?

In: 3088

Answer 1

Less grooves = more contact between tire and road = better traction/performance. Slicks are the best, unless it rains. Then you need grooves to move water and keep as much contact as possible with the road.

When it rains at an F1 race they uses treaded tires.