Pirelli, the exclusive tire supplier for Formula One, has successfully concluded a vital two-day testing session with Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. This test focused on evaluating the performance of their innovative tire design that eliminates the need for tire warmers.
After the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, which was held last weekend in Montmelo, the Ferrari and Mercedes remained at the circuit to conduct this significant prototype tire testing session with the clear goal of collecting as much information as possible to help Pirelli continue the development of the new tyres. On Tuesday, Charles Leclerc took the wheel of his Ferrari SF-23 single-seater, while George Russell represented Mercedes in the W14. Charles Leclerc completed an impressive total of 167 laps, achieving a fastest lap time of 1m18.197s, while George Russell, who secured a podium finish in Barcelona, accumulated 151 laps with a best lap time of 1m18.400s.
Today also marked former Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher’s debut behind the wheel of the Mercedes W14 after extensive practice in the team’s simulator at their Brackley facility. Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz took over driving duties from his Maranello teammate Charles Leclerc for the second day of the tire test, adding 170 laps with the SF-23 Together, the German and the Spaniard completed an additional 299 laps, bringing the total number of laps completed with the new blanket-free tires to 617, as Pirelli gathered valuable data.
Although the elimination of blanket-free tires is a long-term objective, there are immediate changes on the horizon for current F1 tires. A new specification of slick tires is set to be introduced at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.
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After carefully assessing the performance improvements and the rate of development in current Formula 1 cars, Formula 1 official tyre supplier Pirelli has made the call to introduce a new tire specification. This updated version will feature a more robust and durable tire construction, while maintaining the same compound types. Notably, the new specification will incorporate materials originally planned for implementation in 2024, marking an earlier debut for these advancements.
Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola explained: “Initially this was scheduled for 2024, but its introduction has now been brought forward to make the structure more resistant to fatigue, as the loads generated by the current cars have already reached the targets set for the end of the season after only a few races,” – the Pirelli boss added.
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