F1 teams are expected to reject the idea of getting rid of tyre blankets for the 2024 season. While team bosses haven’t openly criticized the new tyres, they haven’t shown much enthusiasm either. It seems that most teams are against the change.
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Drivers, too, are not happy with the new tyres. George Russell, the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, tested the latest version and expressed concerns about their safety, calling them “dangerous.”
Initially, tyre blankets were supposed to be eliminated in 2024. However, the rules were changed to keep them, with the option to revert back if Pirelli could develop a suitable tyre by the end of July.
Pirelli has already introduced blanket-free wet tyres, which were used for the first time in Monaco. However, their attempt to introduce new intermediate tyres for Singapore was rejected by the teams.
Ongoing Development and Testing
Development of slick tyres has been ongoing, with the most recent test conducted by Mercedes and Ferrari in Barcelona earlier this month. The final test before the decision will take place at Silverstone after the British GP and will involve Red Bull, Williams, and Haas.
The decision will ultimately be based on a vote by the teams, but only if the FIA believes that Pirelli has made a compelling case.
Mixed Reactions from Team Principals
Team principals have expressed mixed opinions regarding the tyre decision. Christian Horner from Red Bull stated that they would reserve judgment until they conduct a test with Daniel Ricciardo. Horner believes that tyre blankets are necessary and suggests focusing on sustainable ways to power them.
James Allison, the technical director of Mercedes, expressed skepticism about running without blankets, stating that it poses significant challenges. James Vowles, the team principal of Williams, emphasized the need for a proven tyre that performs well under various conditions before fully supporting the change.
Maintaining the Essence of F1
Otmar Szafnauer from Alpine believes that tyre blankets are part of the essence of F1. While acknowledging the need to evaluate the new tyres, he emphasises the importance of preserving the unique characteristics that define Formula 1.
Trust in the FIA’s Decision
Mike Krack, the boss of Aston Martin, trusts the FIA to make the right call, whether it involves a team vote or not. He believes that more information is needed before making a decision and emphasises the need to trust the FIA’s judgment.
The Future of Tyre Development
The outcome of the July decision will have significant implications for Pirelli. If the blanket-free tyres are rejected for 2024, Pirelli may put development on hold until the tyre tender results are known. If Pirelli loses the deal to a rival, the entire programme could be abandoned.
In the end, the fate of the new tyres rests in the hands of the teams and the FIA, as they weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of eliminating tyre blankets in Formula 1.
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