According to Damon Hill, requiring drivers to make pit stops to use all three sets of tires allocated for each race weekend would be an interesting proposal to further enhance the racing spectacle. The current regulations mandate that drivers must make at least one mandatory pit stop, regardless of tire degradation. However, the former driver believes that it could be more exciting to use the hard-medium-soft tire combination.
Hill’s proposal to enhance the racing spectacle: using all three sets of tires
Speaking on the official Formula 1 podcast, the 1996 world champion stated, “I think there’s definitely a discussion to be had about if you want excitement and a bit more challenge, then why not? I think it’s a good idea. I’ve heard it proposed before. It would increase the number of pit stops to reduce the one-stop strategies.”
“It’s interesting that we’ve got to the point where Max has built up a lead in the last race in Belgium and Lewis has built up enough of a gap that he can come in for a new set of tires and get the fastest lap and a point. Initially, people thought it was a bit of a ruse, but now teams decide it’s important to have it.”
“They want to have that scalp, so they go out there and do the one-lap stop, putting on a bit of a show at the end of the race. The obligation to use all three tire compounds would represent an additional challenge. So, perhaps, it’s a good thing.”
According to Hill, Formula 1 should consider the possibility of mandating all drivers to make at least two pit stops to avoid overly similar strategies that essentially flatten the race.
Using all three available tire compounds would undoubtedly increase the spectacle and diversification of strategies, leading to more unpredictable outcomes.
“No one likes to look like an idiot, but the races in the rain, those where you can’t predict what will happen, are the ones that create the most spectacle,” the British driver adds.
In conclusion, Hill states, “We’ve got to be careful. You open yourself up to the charge of creating pointless drama. But I think, why not? They’ve got the tires there anyway. So, having to use all three tires, if they went for a very soft tire, it would be nearly impossible to use it in the race for more than a couple of laps.”
Source: f1ingenerale
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