F1 plans to introduce a massive change involving tire-blankets which might be implemented as soon as the 2024 season
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Formula 1
F1 saw major changes in the regulations ahead of the 2022 F1 season, and with the way the sport is developing, more changes are waiting in the pipeline.
As per the latest that has come out regarding the regulations, F1 is planning to totally remove the concept of tire blankets by the start of the 2024 season.
In order to get the process started, the governing bodies have planned extensive tests during the upcoming 2023 season of the sport.
While the FIA and Pirelli are pushing incessantly, there has been pushback from various F1 teams and the drivers, as they believe that the removal of tire blankets would increase the risks by 10-folds.
The drivers’ concerns are around the use of cold tires, which would make the task of keeping their super-fast liveries on track after a pit stop.
Max Verstappen feels that, if the move is given the go-ahead for the 2024 season, then it would lead to many unnecessary crashes.
However, despite the issues that are getting raised, F1 and the FIA are determined to put their plan into motion.
Opportunities and Obstacles of letting go of the tire blankets in F1
With every new thing that is expected to come into the picture at a certain point in time, there are always some pros and cons associated with it.
As far as the pros are concerned of getting rid of the tire blankets, it is the belief that it would lead to a reduction in energy demands at the Circuits. Especially before the start of the Grand Prix events when the demands are at an all-time high.
It is the expectation that it would lead to cheaper equipment costs and will place emphasis on the drivers to get heat into their tires.
However, despite the good things about the change, there is a certain dark side as well. It is believed that high tire pressure and lower temperatures would lead to a lot of wear and tear on the tires.
Another major issue, that is being raised is the safety of the drivers, who go around F1 Circuits at insane speeds.
Moreover, it has also come to light that, if the move gets the go-ahead, then the teams would come up with their own of heating the rubber.
Considering everything, it seems all the major governing bodies, have got a lot of work on their hands if they want to make their vision for the sport a reality.
Can you see tire blankets becoming a concept of the past by the start of the 2024 F1 season?
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Rishabh Negi
(3244 Articles Published)