In the thrilling world of motorsport, every component of a race car plays a vital role in achieving top performance. But if there’s one element that literally connects the machine to the tarmac, it’s the tyre. In the F4 Spanish Championship, the official tyres are supplied by Hankook, a globally respected brand known for its relentless innovation and cutting-edge technology in racing.
What makes an F4 tyre truly special?
The tyres used in F4 are far from ordinary black rings — they are carefully engineered blends of rubber, developed to deliver a precise balance between grip, durability, and thermal performance. These high-performance compounds are designed to operate within a narrow, optimal temperature range, meaning proper heat management can dramatically shift the outcome of a lap — or an entire race.
Tyre management: a race within the race
Mastering tyre management is an absolutely essential skill that every young driver must develop early in their racing journey. In F4, where every split-second counts, knowing exactly when and how to push the tyres — without overheating or over-wearing them — becomes a strategic advantage. Drivers must swiftly adapt to their driving style, the circuit’s unique layout, and the ever-changing weather conditions — especially on tracks with unpredictable grip or temperature swings, such as Navarra or Motorland.
Throughout the race weekend, teams must meticulously decide how many sets of tyres to use during each session (practice, qualifying, and races), constantly balancing the need for immediate grip with the necessity of saving fresh rubber for key moments. Sometimes, a slightly slower lap today can become the clever move that secures victory tomorrow.
How do they affect performance?
Hankook tyres offer young drivers an ideal and highly educational platform to learn how to interpret their car’s behaviour. Their performance is consistent, but also demanding: a tyre outside its ideal temperature window quickly loses efficiency, affecting both traction and braking — which can easily lead to lock-ups or understeer.
In qualifying, a fresh, perfectly heated tyre can deliver the incredible grip needed for pole position. But in races, it’s the consistency, patience, and careful lap-by-lap handling that truly separates contenders from champions.
A crucial lesson for the future
Tyre management isn’t just important for winning in F4 — it’s a fundamental skill for climbing the motorsport ladder. In higher categories like Eurocup-3, FIA F3 or FIA F2, tyre strategy becomes even more critical. That’s why the F4 Spanish Championship is more than a competition — it’s a proving ground for tomorrow’s legends.
