Pirelli responds to George Russell’s criticism of the tire blanket ban, asks drivers to change their driving style
Russell criticized the new tires that work without tire warmers, deeming the sport unprepared for a change of that magnitude.
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George Russell (Credits: The Mirror)
Following the Spanish Grand Prix, additional proceedings occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya involving Mercedes, who participated in a Pirelli tire test. This test encompassed the evaluation of new tires that eliminate the need for tire warmers. George Russell expressed his opinion that the blanket-less tires were unsuitable for F1.
The Mercedes driver claimed that the tire blanket ban would cause more crashes during races. Now, Simone Berra, Pirelli’s chief engineer, has responded to Russell’s critique. He believes George Russell and other F1 drivers must adapt their style after the blanket ban.
Speaking to RacingNews365.com, he said, “ln terms of safety, I don’t see from the data that I’ve seen any specific risk. You need to change the way you are driving in the first lap for sure. Drivers will have to adapt their driving style, even to protect the tyre because you can generate graining even if you push too much in the first corners and the tire is not up to temperature.”
George Russell believes that without tire warmers, crashes are inevitable
Starting in 2024, F1 is planning to implement a ban on electric tire covers as part of its initiatives to reduce its carbon emissions. Pirelli has made significant advancements with their tire product, which underwent testing in Barcelona recently. Further evaluation of the F1 tire will take place during a post-British GP test at Silverstone. Developing a tire that doesn’t require pre-warming poses challenges, but Pirelli has made progress.
George Russell expressed his belief that conducting tire tests on the aggressive tarmac of Barcelona, especially on a fully rubbered-in circuit with temperatures reaching upwards of 40 degrees, was not ideal or suitable for evaluating the tires under appropriate conditions. The Briton has expressed concerns about the new prototype tires, particularly in colder conditions, suggesting that crashes would be inevitable.
Russell believes the resources and expenses invested in this development could be utilized more effectively in other areas. On the other hand, Simone Berra remains steadfast in his perspective, asserting that the tires are suitable for racing. Berra argues that drivers must modify their approach to out-laps and adapt their driving styles to prevent tire graining when the tires haven’t reached the optimal temperature.
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Tanuj Sadasivam
(245 Articles Published)