Why do your everyday consumer vehicles have tires with tread, but Formula 1 tires are smooth?

Question

Why do your everyday consumer vehicles have tires with tread, but Formula 1 tires are smooth?

In: 23

Answer 1

Formula 1 cars drive on dry pavement. Your car drives in the rain, snow, hot, cold, and maybe even dirt. Also race cars produce a lot down force and the smooth tire gives the car the most amount of traction.