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leclerc does not know if new pirelli tyres are good for ferrari

New Pirelli tyre at Silverstone: 'Don't know if it's a benefit or weakness'

7 July 2023 at 12:15
Last update 7 July 2023 at 13:39
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  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

This weekend, Pirelli will come up with new construction for their Formula 1 tyres. This should make the tyres stronger, allowing them to better withstand the amount of downforce generated by the current cars. However, it should have no impact on performance. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc does not yet know whether the new tyre will be an advantage or disadvantage for his team.

Ferrari struggles with tyres

This season, Ferrari is having a tough time with the SF-23's tyre wear. Whereas over one lap, the Scuderia seems excellent and gets the most out of the tyre, Leclerc and Carlos Sainz actually go through the Pirelli's too quickly in the race. In Austria last weekend, the tyre wear seemed better due to the Ferrari upgrades, but the Italian team is not at Red Bull Racing's level yet.

"I think during the free practice is going to be very important to assess the tyres, to see how much of a difference it is in terms of tyre regulation if we need to fine-tune the car to these new constructions. Then we'll see, but we don't know yet whether it's going to be a benefit or a weakness," Leclerc said on Thursday.