The FIA has started the tender process for the sole tyre supplier in Formula 1 from the 2020 season until 2023, but with a change in size of the rims from 2021 onward – moving to 18-inch which was tested by Pirelli few years ago.
F1 is officially switching to the 18-inch rims concept from the existing 13-inch from the 2021 season onward as per the latest tender application released by the FIA. The idea was in discussion in 2014 and 2015 with multiple tests, but was dropped since then.
Instead, the front and rear tyres were changed to 305mm and 405mm respectively last year to create new racing experience. However, it has now been decided between the FIA, FOM and Strategy Group that the switch to 18-inch rims will be made in 2021.
While the rear tyres will remain at 405mm, the front tyre will shortened to 270mm from the existing 305mm. Pirelli, who has been the sole tyre supplier to F1 since 2011 is certainly ‘interested’ to bid to win the contract.
However, they are being cautious that the wider tyres will mean a ‘different challenge’ for them to develop the new tyres and compounds than the previous time when they tested the 18-inch with the older tyre size.
“It is not all about tyres, it is about the sporting regulations, technical regulations – they [FIA, FOM and Strategy Group] are planning big changes for 2021 including the tyre sizes,” started Pirelli’s racing manager, Mario Isola.
“[The 18-inch] is a size that is known from other categories but the level of stress and energy that is put by a Formula 1 car is quite different, so we need to develop specific 18-inch tyres [to handle that stress].
“They [rear tyres] are also wider compared to the size we were talking about few years ago, we forget that now we have 405mm rear tyres – so it is a different challenge. We are interested, we want to renew.
“It is something we said in the past [as well] and now [since] the tender process has started, we are happy to analyse the documents and see,” he added. Following the announcement, one the drivers who tested the 18-inch Luca Filipi shared a picture.
https://twitter.com/LucaFilippiLF/status/1020248582350430208
He added: “A bit heavier because of the bigger rims, bigger diameter too so a bit less visibility of the apex but good grip because of the bigger contact patch. Very different on kerbs as the sidewall is much smaller.”
Meanwhile, along with the rims size, another key change revealed by the FIA in the tender was the non-usage of tyre blankets to pre-heat the tyres from the 2021 season. It also has been a long-standing debate which now will be implemented for sure.
It has generated mixed reviews over the years. Not opining his views over the ban, Isola reckoned that Pirelli will have to develop a new compound to suit the change as the current ones takes about 5-6 laps to generate heat – if used without the tyre blanket.
“As a fan I agree on tyre blanket ban, but as a technician we have to design different tyres with different compounds like Formula 2 for example they are not using blankets,” he started. “In some other categories you don’t have blankets but hot boxes.
“So, there are different approaches but it is interesting. Obviously, we just cannot use the same compounds because with these compounds if you start colder, it takes about 5-6 laps and it becomes also dangerous to have a slow car on track.
“Of course, we can make it but we have design new compounds with a different approach.” Pirelli and any other suppliers have until August 31, 2018 to file the tender, with the process of deciding starting on September 14, 2018 after the safety checks.
Click here to read the whole tender document.