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
The moment there is just a hint of rain the F1 cars all go into the pits to change to tyres with groves. This is because when it is wet the water needs some where to go as you drive on it. The water can flow into the groves of the tyre threads so the rubber gets into contact with the hard surface under the water. But with slick tyres the water have nowhere to flow and the tyre will therefore just float on top of the water. This is called planing and causes you to have almost no grip. While F1 drivers have the ability to quickly get into the pits for a set of tyres with groves whenever they need it you can not do this while driving around on the streets. It is therefore legally mandated that you need threads in your tyres while driving on the street. So that in the event of rain your tyres will have grip.
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