When you Google why are f1 tires smooth, the answer is no tread means more surface area, so better grip, but when you Google why do street tires have grooves, the same answer comes up. I’m confused. Also, is this a physics question, engineering or technology? Lol
In: Engineering
Street tires are made under the assumption they will face all conditions in their lifetime.
F1 tires won’t even survive half of the race. They pick and choose the tires that will be the fastest in that specific scenario. They can and do run tires with grooves. You have to understand it’s not dangerous for them, they simply might be half a second slower on each lap with them. Believe it or not the other team gaining half a second each lap will soon enough have enough of a lead that they can stop and change tires and still beat you when you don’t change.
Nobody on the road is supposed to be thinking about how they can get to work 0.1 seconds faster, nor could they be bothered to change tires based on conditions each time they get in the car.
So… essentially race tires are made to be as fast and efficient as possible. Street tires are made to last as long as possible, as safe as possible, as well as comfortable and quiet. F1 only cares about speed and safety.
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