Strategy · Updated for 2026
F1 intermediate versus full-wet tyres
How teams choose between the green intermediate and blue full-wet tyre.
Quick answer
Intermediates suit a damp or drying surface without deep standing water. Full wets evacuate much more water for heavy rain, but generate greater heat and wear when the track becomes too dry.
Water displacement
Grooves move water away from the contact patch. The more aggressive wet pattern resists aquaplaning better, while the intermediate preserves more rubber contact on a less flooded track.
The crossover
Teams compare lap time, rainfall, standing water and tyre temperature. Switching one lap too early risks grip; one lap too late can surrender large chunks of time.
Visibility remains a limit
A full-wet tyre can help the car grip, but spray may still make racing unsafe. Race control evaluates the whole track and visibility, not tyre capability alone.