This year, the teams are using last year’s tires because they rejected the new ones at the end of last season. New 18-inch tires were supposed to arrive next year, but the coronavirus shifted everything.
Pirelli slightly modified the front tires in particular, even in response to problems from Silverstone, where there were defects. The riders tested the prototypes in Portugal and today in Bahrain tested the final version for the first time. Another test awaits them in Abu Dhabi.
“I try my best not to say anything,” Hamilton said when asked what he thought of them.
“We have a Pirelli team here. I have maximum respect for the people who come here, bring us tires and keep us safe. They do an amazing job. ”
“We have had the same tire for the last two years. At the end of 2019, they came up with a new tire, which they usually do. It was worse, so they said let’s keep last year’s tire. “
“They now have two years to develop a better tire. And they came up with a tire that is three kilos heavier and a second slower on the bike. “
“I know that it doesn’t really change anything for the fans, but from the rider’s point of view, we work with brands and partners who are leaders in technology and move it forward. If you’re coming back after two years of development, I don’t know what’s going on. “
“I certainly don’t feel good about them. I’d rather stay with the current tires. If that’s all they have, and the best they can do, which is so obvious, it will be better to stay with these tires. “
Tires are also criticized by others
“They’re slow and don’t provide much grip,” Albon said. “I think they were a second slower than we have now.”
“It’s a little harder to drive, no big difference,” Norris said.
“They’re not a step forward, quite the opposite,” Vettel said. “It’s probably worth a try, but I hope we don’t see these tires again. They are much worse compared to the ones we use now. ”
According to Vettel, the tires do not improve the problem of overheating and exacerbate all the problems that riders face.
“If that’s the only option for year 21, then I’d definitely like to stay with the 2019 tires.”
Pirelli is not surprised
Pirelli says the comments are not surprised. Performance is said to improve as cars are optimized for new tires next year.
“The tires for 2021 need a different kind of car setup,” said Mario Isola, who is monitoring events from home for a positive coronavirus test. “Teams and engineers now have plenty of time to find out and adjust.”
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