F1 News: Drastic Upcoming Change Predicted To Be Rejected By Drivers

It is anticipated that the drivers will reject this upcoming change which is due to happen in 2024.

As the decisive moment approaches, Formula 1 teams seem to be against introducing blanket-free slick tyres in 2024. Behind closed doors, many in the racing world believe the change won't be embraced. George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, voiced his fears, saying the new tyres could be "dangerous".

Despite Pirelli's strides in developing an alternative, having already introduced blanket-free wet tyres, the transition has been far from smooth. The final pre-decision test of the slick tyre development will involve Red Bull, Williams, and Haas post the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The decision will then hinge on the FIA's assessment of Pirelli's case and a vote by the teams.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner told Autosport:

"I think we'll reserve judgment until we've done a test. 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.

"I don't think it's what the drivers want. But my fear with these things is that when you think you're going to achieve something simplistically that would create better racing, that there will then be a whole lot of effort go into trying to heat tyres very quickly, on out-laps and so on, that could drive a lot more cost in.

"Everybody has tyre blankets, they do the job. I think what we should be looking at is sustainable ways of powering those tyre blankets as opposed to removing them."

The echo of concerns spans across multiple teams, with Mercedes and Williams expressing doubts about the tyres' readiness. Alpine’s Otmar Szafnauer argued for the continued use of blankets, considering them an essential part of F1. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack trusted the FIA's decision-making process. 

As the drama unfolds, Pirelli might have to halt its development work if the new tyres are rejected, adding another layer of intrigue to the tyre saga in F1.