Replaced F12 With T12

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

01-01-2025

5

0

Share

Formula 1, a sport constantly evolving in its pursuit of speed and safety, has undergone another subtle but significant change: the replacement of the familiar "F12" designation for Pirelli's intermediate tyres with "T12." This seemingly minor alteration reflects a broader shift in Pirelli's tyre naming convention and deserves a closer look.

From F to T: Deciphering the Tyre Codes

For years, Formula 1 fans were accustomed to seeing tyre codes like "F1," "F2," "M1," and "M2" representing the various compounds used in the sport. The "F" typically denoted a wet weather compound, while the "M" stood for a dry weather compound. The numbers following these letters indicated further nuances in the tyre's characteristics. The "12" in "F12" likely referenced a specific design iteration or performance profile.

However, the shift towards "T12" and other similarly structured names marks a departure from this system. While Pirelli hasn't explicitly detailed the reason behind the change, it's likely related to internal organizational practices and data management within the company. The change doesn't necessarily signify a change in the tyre's physical characteristics or performance.

What Remains Consistent?

Despite the change in nomenclature, it's crucial to understand that the core aspects of the tyre remain largely unaffected. The intermediate tyre, now designated "T12," still serves the same purpose: to provide grip in conditions that are damp but not fully wet, bridging the gap between slicks and full wets.

The performance characteristics – such as grip level, wear rate, and optimal operating temperature – are expected to remain consistent between the "F12" and "T12." The change is purely semantic, affecting how the tyres are identified in team communication and official race data rather than their functional attributes.

The Broader Context

This renaming is part of a broader trend in Formula 1's technical evolution. Constant refinements are made to tyres, cars, and regulations, and a consistent nomenclature system is essential to efficient communication and data analysis. The shift towards the "T" designation likely reflects an internal streamlining effort by Pirelli, aimed at improving their own internal processes and data tracking.

Ultimately, for the average fan, the impact of this change is minimal. The function and performance of the intermediate tyres remain essentially the same. It’s simply a matter of adapting to a new naming convention within the ever-evolving world of Formula 1.