Sergio Perez sparks controversy by suggesting Pirelli’s new tire configuration is introduced to favor ‘certain teams’

Pirelli are going to introduce a new slick tyre specification at Silverstone, believed to benefit Ferrari

Sergio Perez (Credits: Planet F1)

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has stirred up speculation ahead of the British Grand Prix, claiming that the new Pirelli tire specification introduced for this race will provide an advantage to a specific team. The new tire specification tested in the FP1 and FP2 in Spain is set to debut this weekend in Silverstone.

Pirelli, the official tire supplier for Formula 1, has introduced a fresh tire specification for the British Grand Prix. There will be a characteristic change in the rubber, and these new tires were evaluated during practice sessions in Spain at the Catalunya circuit. Each team was allocated two additional tires to assess their performance during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

Sergio Perez has fueled the speculation by suggesting that the new tire specification may favor a specific team. In his own words, Perez remarked, “I think this new tyre construction is done to favour some teams.”

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He added that it is entirely new rubber. While he did not mention any particular team, rumors circulating in the paddock have pointed toward Ferrari as the possible beneficiary as the tire construction is dubbed to be much harder and thus favoring the limited front cars, like Ferrari’s SF23.

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Silverstone to be a test for the Ferrari’s development path

Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari SF23 (Credits: Racing News 365)

Ferrari, after a turbulent start to the season, has made significant strides in recent races. The Maranello-based team’s revamped approach, including a redesigned side pod concept inspired by Red Bull’s successful RB19 downwash side pod design, has yielded promising results. Solid performances in Montreal and Spielberg, including a podium finish in Austria, have helped Ferrari regain its confidence and momentum.

Both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s driver duo, have expressed their satisfaction with the team’s progress. Leclerc enthusiastically stated, “What surprised and made me happy was the team’s reaction after such a negative start to the season. It was incredible, and I never had any doubts that we were on the right track.” Sainz echoed these sentiments, praising the team’s efforts and proclaiming, “I’m proud of the work they’ve done in Maranello and the number of updates we’ve brought recently.”

?️ | ?? Checo on the new Pirelli tyres that will be used from this GP onwards

"I think this tyre construction is done to favour a few teams.

Someone is going to make it better. I don't know if it's us or other teams, but certainly there is a characteristic change in the tyres." pic.twitter.com/2SGT8GILSi
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) July 6, 2023

Although Ferrari will not introduce a significant package of updates for the British Grand Prix, they have planned the deployment of new upgrades. A new beam wing biplane designed for medium-low load conditions is a notable addition. Drawing inspiration from successful concepts seen on Red Bull, Alpine, and McLaren cars, this modification aims to enhance the SF-23’s performance further.