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

The smoother tires allow for more traction for F1 cars because they physically allow for more rubber to touch the pavement. In other words, they have more surface area on the track, which helps a lot with speed. However, it does nothing for an F1 car if the weather is bad, as they would not provide much traction in anything other than dry conditions.