F1 is one of the most popular sports in today’s world. It takes place in a number of countries over the entire year. F1 cars are capable of driving on dry and wet track conditions. However, it cannot be driven on snow with the regulation tires.
The tires that are offered by Pirelli are only suitable for dry and wet conditions. For driving on snow, a completely new set of tires will be required. Even the driving style will change while driving a Formula 1 car on snow. For this reason, the FIA does not host an F1 race on snow.
However, there were a number of promotional events held by Red Bull where they manufactured tires that are made to be driven on snow. These tires were used during their show runs in places with snow. However, it’s safe to say that F1 will not host a Championship race on snow. A number of locations on the calendar get snow during the time of December-February. However, holding a race in such places during this time is avoided by the FIA and F1.
The FIA hosts separate leagues and Championships for racing in the snow. These races do not consist of F1 or similar types of cars. Instead, they feature modified road cars or GT cars. In the history of Formula 1, a Championship race has never been held on snow. However, there were times when Formula 1 cars found themselves on snow during testing.
The last time F1 cars were on snow
Back in 2016, F1 had its winter testing in Barcelona. During this time, the session was red-flagged as it started to snow on track. Using the Pirelli Formula 1 tires on snow will be extremely dangerous as there will be no grip on the track. The cars will literally be driving on ice. A similar weather occurred during the same winter testing session in Barcelona in 2003.
Although it was not a part of the Championship, snow did occur once while F1 cars were racing on track. During the 1973 BRDC (British Drivers Association), snowfall hit the track during the race. However, the race was not stopped as the snow was minimal. One other occasion where Formula 1 cars saw snow during a race was in 1975’s ROC (Race of Champions). The snowfall started before the race. As a result, the race was postponed until the snow cleared.
Apart from these events, there have been a few times when F1 teams have hosted show runs on the snow using special tires. Teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and even BMW have all done so. It requires a special talent to control cars on snow going at high speeds. Luckily F1 drivers are some of the best drivers in the world. As a result, they were able to handle their own on the snow as well.
Do you think F1 will ever host a race on snow? Post your answers in the comments section below.