Pirelli Responds to Hamilton’s Call for Improved Wet Weather Tyres in Formula 1
In the aftermath of the postponed Formula 1 qualifying session at the Brazilian Grand Prix due to heavy rain, Pirelli has addressed Lewis Hamilton’s plea for better wet weather tyres.
The qualifying session in Sao Paulo was initially delayed and then ultimately postponed to Sunday morning as thunderstorms and standing water on the circuit made running impossible on Saturday. With more rain expected, the race start time was also brought forward to give the best chance of completing the event.
During the delay, seven-time world champion Hamilton urged Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to ensure Pirelli provides improved wet tyres and brings back the use of tyre blankets for the blue-walled compound, which were removed last year.
“It is true that we need to improve the performance of the wet tyre to generate a proper crossover with the intermediate,” Isola said. “Next year we will have a new wet tyre with some small modifications, because unfortunately we didn’t have the possibility to have a proper test with the wet tyre on a high severity circuit. That is exactly what we miss.”
Isola also pointed out that the decision to postpone qualifying on Saturday was likely based on various safety factors beyond just the tyre performance, such as visibility, standing water, and risk of aquaplaning.
As part of Pirelli’s wet tyre development programme, Mercedes conducted a test at Magny-Cours last month, with reserve driver Mick Schumacher and George Russell taking part. However, the first day of the test was restricted to just 29 laps due to the track being too wet for meaningful running, further highlighting the challenges in testing these wet weather compounds.
With the Formula 1 season entering its final stretch, Pirelli’s focus is on continuing to improve their wet tyre offerings for the 2023 campaign, aiming to address the long-standing concerns raised by drivers like Hamilton regarding their performance in heavy rain conditions.
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