Plans on banning tyre warmers in 2024 in jeopardy
Plans to ban tyre warmers in Formula 1 may be in jeopardy. The aim is to drive without tyre warmers from next year, in 2024. However, George Russell, among others, has already spoken out about the danger of the ideas, and Christian Horner also tells Autosport.com that he does not think the drivers want it.
Several drivers, including Mick Schumacher and George Russell, have already tested with them. The latter indicated that Formula 1 is not yet ready to run without tyre warmers.
Horner awaits verdict
By the end of July, Pirelli must be able to demonstrate that the tyres are ready to take to the track without tyre warmers. If the FIA approves the plans, it will be up to the teams to pass judgement on them. Red Bull has not tested yet, but soon Daniel Ricciardo will start driving laps on the tyres. "I think we will reserve judgment until we have done a test," Horner explained. "Daniel [Ricciardo] is going to drive the car at the test, and we will get the feedback from that running, and then I'm sure Pirelli will make the right decision."
Still, the Red Bull team boss already has a sense of what the drivers think of it. For example, he thinks a lot more effort will go into warming up the tyres, which could cost more. At the end of July, it will therefore be known whether Pirelli can prove that the tyres are ready to run without tyre warmers. If this plan is approved, then the teams can give their verdict.