F1 could have bigger wheels by 2020
F1 could switch to low-profile, 18-inch wheels by 2020.
That is the claim of Auto Motor und Sport. This German racing magazine is reporting that the change could come in 2020. This is a year earlier than the revolutionary new car regulations planned for 2021.
Pirelli's Formula 1 contract runs out at the end of next year. Potential rival brands who want to become the sole tyre supplier, have 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. Symonds 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. They acknowledged that the tyres this year should 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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