FIA, the governing body of Formula One, in addition to making and defining the rules and regulations, also overlooks the smooth conduct of the championship. For a while, the authority intended to make some changes in the tires blanket from 2023. However, after several drivers complained about it, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the FIA decided to scrap its plan for changes in the rule. But what is the regulation about? And why are the drivers against that? Keep reading to find out.
FIA Backs Down On Planned 2023 Rule Change!
Recent times have seen a lot of discussion about tire coverings in Formula One. Before automobiles hit the track, they are used to warm up their tires. However, measures to eliminate them by the 2024 season have already started to be implemented. Teams can heat their tires to a lower temperature this year, 70 degrees Celsius than they were in 2021. The second step of the FIA strategy was to lower that number to 50 degrees the following year.
At the US Grand Prix, blanket temperatures were first lowered to about 50 degrees. But because of the change, many drivers had trouble getting traction at the Circuit of the Americas. The maneuver. However, is not especially popular in the paddock. Thus, according to Mario Isola, head of the motorsport for the business, Pirelli has chosen to postpone its plans to lower tire blanket temperatures in 2023.
During the discussion with The Race, Mario Isola reaffirmed the company\’s commitment to heeding driver feedback and abandoning the 50 degrees plan in 2023. However, the tire manufacturer still intends to phase out the blankets by 2024. They will be developing fresh chemicals to address the grip issue. Isola also mentioned that their goal is to outlaw blankets by 2024. And the plan is to move in this way gradually. Although the plan is still in place, it appears that a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for next year is not a good choice after the Austin test.
The 2023 compounds were heated to 50 degrees for practice. And once on the track, many drivers had a lot of trouble getting them warmed up. As a result, there were several traction issues. It led to concerns that there would be a much greater chance of a high-speed disaster.
The tire blanket suggestions have already drawn criticism from a few drivers. Earlier this month, Lando Norris stated that everyone on the grid would be unhappy with the recent regulation change. According to him, if temperatures dropped to 50 degrees Celsius in time, it\’ll definitely affect their performance. This year\’s World Champion, Max Verstappen, was one of many who raised awareness of the problem. Verstappen has also vocally dissented from the notion. As long as they adhere to the rules, he believes that tire blankets should be utilized to the fullest extent following the test in the USA.
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