Mercedes: 'Isn't exactly a done deal to think that it's going to be done'

After the British Grand Prix it is Red Bull Racing's turn, Ferrari and Mercedes already participated in a special test for Pirelli after the race in Spain. At the circuit near Barcelona, these teams drove with tyres that did not need to be preheated. First impressions were not very positive.

Charles Leclerc drove in Spain on the tyres, which will basically be introduced in '24. He said, "I think it's too early, and I don't have all the answers for now. I have to say that in the conditions that I had during the test, it was good, and it went well. But yeah, in lower temperatures, I don't know. I haven't tested these tyres in lower temperatures, and that's where the big question mark is."

Not much later, Pirelli revealed that drivers simply had to adapt their driving style, and that the tyres used during the test were fine for racing. Whether these tyres will eventually be used at Grands Prix is now the question. As part of Formula 1's sustainability goals, there is an emphatic call to do away with tyre warmers.

A final decision will follow in July. James Allison of Mercedes said of this in Canada last week: "I'd say that the early look at running without blankets, it's not exactly a done deal to think that that's going to be a good thing next year. I'd say there's plenty of challenge to make that work," said the technical director.