F1: Pirelli developing new tires amid driver criticism

(GMM) Pirelli, F1’s sole tire supplier, is developing a groundbreaking tire that is set to debut in 2025. Hopefully it won’t ruin the racing.

It’s a response to a chorus of grievances from drivers and teams concerning tire performance, exacerbated by recent events at Interlagos. The race highlighted the problem of severe tire degradation issues, prompting an outcry from competitors over their inability to maintain peak racing speeds without compromising tire integrity.

Addressing the concerns, Pirelli’s chief Mario Isola acknowledged the critical feedback and emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation. “We’re dissecting the connection between tire wear and on-track dynamics,” Isola said. “Our goal is to engineer a tire that wears in a manner that complements the racing.”

Max Verstappen, among others, voiced his frustrations post-Brazil, lamenting the impossibility of pushing the car to its limits under the current constraints. This shared sentiment among drivers is driving Pirelli’s pursuit of a balanced solution.

However, Isola pointed out that eliminating tire wear is not the panacea it may seem. A tire that doesn’t degrade would strip away the strategic complexity of races, potentially leading to monotonous, uneventful grands prix. “Tire wear is the catalyst for much of the track action,” he asserted, highlighting the delicate balance between durability and strategy.

Pirelli’s aim is to strike that optimal balance, crafting a tire that mitigates excessive wear while maintaining strategic diversity with potential multi-stop races. “Without varied tire wear, we risk a procession rather than a race. We need to maintain the element of competition that different wear rates can provide,” Isola insisted.

Despite the challenges, Isola recognizes the necessity of adaptation. “Drivers are clear in their desire for tires that can endure more assertive racing,” he said.