In an effort to handle the unexpectedly high load levels from the increased downforce added to the cars by teams, new tyres resulting from Pirelli’s 2024 testing scheme have been unveiled.
These new tyres were collectively tested for the first time by teams in Barcelona on a Friday. Each driver was provided with two sets of the hard C1 compound for testing.
However, most teams chose not to perform a direct comparison of the current and forthcoming hard tyres on the day, making Pirelli’s task of fully evaluating them a bit more challenging.
The teams’ decision to only utilise the test tyres at Silverstone implied that they expect the new tyres to perform similarly to the existing ones. Thus, the prototype tyres became part of their regular preparation for the race in Spain.
Red Bull, a team that has potentially the most to lose if the new tyres behave differently, expressed interest in understanding the potential impact of the new tyres.
When asked by F1 Flow.com if any significant findings were derived from the tests, Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan responded, “A bit.” He further added that it’s currently believed that the tyres’ impact will be moderate, but final judgement is reserved for the Silverstone races.
Aston Martin’s performance director, Tom McCullough, mentioned that his team had gathered valuable data to prepare for the British Grand Prix, while Fred Vasseur, the Ferrari boss, remained skeptical about the findings from the Barcelona tests due to the short test duration with the prototype tyre.
In contrast, Pirelli F1 boss, Mario Isola suggested that the new construction should have a neutral effect. His argument was supported by the fact that several teams used the prototype to understand the C1 compound, indicating that the construction of the tyres doesn’t seem to make a significant difference.
Alpine was the only team that used the standard construction, while others tested the prototype. Teams will draw final conclusions based on the tyre behaviour in the well-known Barcelona circuit and at Silverstone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pirelli F1 tyres
What are the new Pirelli F1 tyres designed to handle?
The new Pirelli F1 tyres, developed from the 2024 testing programme, are designed to handle higher than expected load levels due to the increased downforce added to the cars by the teams.
Where were the new Pirelli F1 tyres tested for the first time?
The new Pirelli F1 tyres were collectively tested for the first time by various teams in Barcelona.
What were the teams’ reactions to the new Pirelli F1 tyres?
Most teams did not conduct a direct comparison test between the new and the current hard tyres. However, by choosing to only utilise the test tyres at Silverstone, the teams implied that they expect the new construction to behave similarly to the existing ones.
How does Red Bull view the impact of the new Pirelli F1 tyres?
Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, mentioned that the impact of the new tyres is expected to be modest, based on current findings from the tests. However, final judgement will be reserved for the races at Silverstone.
What did the Pirelli F1 boss say about the new tyres?
Pirelli F1 boss, Mario Isola, suggested that the new tyre construction should have a neutral effect, as the teams used the prototypes to understand the C1 compound, indicating that the construction of the tyres doesn’t seem to make a significant difference.
More about Pirelli F1 tyres
- Pirelli 2024 F1 Tyre Testing Programme
- Red Bull Racing Team
- Aston Martin Performance Updates
- Ferrari F1 Team News
- Silverstone Circuit Information
- F1 Flow
7 comments
Let’s be honest, teams are way too polite in their comments. Red Bull thinks impact is “modest”…what if it’s not?? Crazy stuff, can’t wait for Silverstone!
Wow, new tyres for Silverstone huh? gonna be interesting to see what difference they make, if any!
modest impact, huh? sounds like understatement to me. new tyres could completely change the game! Let’s see…
I am always amazed by how much engineering and tech goes into these things… even tyres are complex as heck! Hope they work as expected…
Looks like it’s gonna be a data-driven race. Tyres, tyres, and more tyres, isn’t there more to F1 races? I mean, I hope it does not ruin the fun…
silverstone is gonna be a thrill ride! especially with these new tyres, hope the teams know what they’re doing! Exciting times ahead, isn’t it?
lol, Ferrari boss says they can’t understand the current compound, how they gonna figure out the new one? F1 teams always keep us on our toes.