What is the C-range (C1–C5) in F1?
The tyre supplier's full library of dry compounds, from the hardest (C1) to the softest (C5), from which three are picked per race.
Behind the simple soft-medium-hard labels sits a numbered library of dry compounds, running from the hardest (C1) at one end to the softest at the other and widely referred to as the C-range. For 2026 that range is C1 to C5 — five compounds, after the old C6 was dropped. For each Grand Prix the tyre supplier selects three neighbouring compounds from this library, and those become that weekend's hard, medium and soft. So a "soft" at one circuit can be a physically different, harder rubber than the "soft" at another. Widening the gaps across the library lets the supplier tailor the challenge to each track's demands.
See also: F1 tyre compounds explained.
Related tyres terms
- Slick tyres — Smooth, treadless dry-weather tyres that maximise grip by putting as much rubber on the road as possible.
- Intermediate tyres — Grooved green-marked tyres for a damp or drying track — the crossover between slicks and full wets.
- Wet tyres — Deep-grooved blue-marked tyres for heavy rain, designed to clear standing water and resist aquaplaning.
- Tyre compounds (soft, medium, hard) — The dry tyre range from soft (fastest, wears quickest) to hard (most durable, less grip), chosen to suit the track.
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Definition written in plain language from the current F1 sporting rules and common usage, current as of 14 August 2026. Unofficial; not affiliated with Formula 1.