F1 could have bigger wheels by 2020
- Published on 05 Jun 2018 14:42
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
F1 could switch to low-profile, 18-inch wheels by 2020.
That is the claim of Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the change could come a year earlier than the revolutionary new car regulations being planned for 2021.
That's because Pirelli's contract runs out at the end of next year, with potential rival brands wanting to become the sole tyre supplier needing to lodge their interest this month.
18-inch wheels would match the "futuristic" image of F1 cars that Liberty Media wants for 2021.
"We once had product designers draw cars of the future," said Pat Symonds, who is heading the group that is coming up with the 2021 rules.
"I assume that in the end we will get something in the middle."
Pirelli looks set to be making plans of its own for 2019 as well, having acknowledged that the tyres this year could be improved for better racing.
"One of the problems is that the soft, supersoft and ultrasoft are very close together," Pirelli's Mario Isola admitted to Italy's Autosprint.
"For next year we are working on different compounds to have a bigger gap and create the famous crossover that allows you to have different strategies," he added.
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Replies (12)
Login to replyFreguz
Posts: 160
I really like the 13" rims look, I think it's a part of the so mysterious F1 DNA.
Come back Bernie!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Why? I refuse to be an idiot hater that complains without first understanding a bit, but why is this an idea?
Also, Bernie burn in hell. So glad you're gone.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Here's why . . ."We once had product designers draw cars of the future," said Pat Symonds, who is heading the group that is coming up with the 2021 rules."
To hell with racing it's all about the show.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Even bigger tyres than the one we already have? Would look pretty silly, and wouldnt it be very impractical to have that big tyres? Also not very nice for the pit crew who will need to carry them around.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
I think they are talking about the increasing the size of the rims (presumably with a comparable reduction in the 'thickness' of the tire). I don't have a problem with that, its fairly normal nowadays and you can already see it on road cars and in other racing car formulas.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
...Of course I had to say tyres instead of wheels...
Now, my stance on them stand that I dont think its a good step forward, because its : A) impractical to have bigger wheels than we already have, and B) scares away tyre suppliers other than Pirelli.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Change the few things that aren't broken and everything will be magically fine.
Also, while planning a massive change for 2021, let's introduce a bunch of other changes for each year leading up to that year just to avoid giving the existing rules a change to settle in and have the desired effect.
reg
Posts: 162
It will make jumping over the kerbs a thing of the past!
Low profile tyres don't like kerbs and wont like bumping wheel to wheel!
ruestchiva
Posts: 20
The question is, are the brakes going to grow in size as well? Otherwise they'll look like a Toyota Prius brakes on 18" wheels.... yuuuckkk!
2GRX7
Posts: 108
I'm looking forward to this! I remember 5-7 years ago, Michelin wanted to get back in the game, but only if they could have 18" wheels. Bernie scoffed at that one.
There are some good points flying around, like brake/rim gap, curbs, and "rubbin' is racin' " issues.
As Major Tom stated, it's looking like a, "Plus 5" fitment, so the overall tire diameter will stay the same. I'd love to have that technology on my track car!!!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Funny enough, Michelin seem to want the opposite thing now, citing they want to be able to use the data they get from tyre dev for their regular on-road tyres.
2GRX7
Posts: 108
Well, Michelin is as fickled as hell! Don't ask me how I know!...Wouldn't it be cool to see Dunlop, or Bridgestone back in F1? Kinda tired of Pirelli.