Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel predicts three to four pit-stops with the new Pirelli tyres - Formula 1 News
The reigning World Champion and Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel believes that with the new Pirelli tyres, the upcoming season might force the drivers to make three or even four pit-stops during a single race.
Vettel stated earlier as well that the new rubber degenerates too quickly, and after every 16 to 17 laps, drivers need a tyre replacement. He further insisted that it’s the same for every driver no matter how much effort one puts in; the tyres wear out too
soon and one cannot do much about it.
Pirelli will replace the previous sole tyre provider to the sport, Bridgestone, this season, starting with the season opener, Australian GP at the end of March. The three pre-season test sessions held last month gave the drivers an opportunity to test the
Italian tyres.
However, some of the drivers like Fernando Alonso and Vettel believe that the tyres wear off very quickly, which will call for a lot more pit-stops during a race than the last season.
However, Pirelli defended its tyres explaining that the rubber compound has been specially designed as per FIA’s demand. After the banning of refueling during a race, last year, the number of pit-stops reduced to one or two per race which, some believe,
make the race less exciting.
With more stops for tyre change, of course, the race positions will also change dramatically, thus changing the race results as well. The German believes that a significant change on tracks will be witnessed this season with the different tyres.
While talking to the media this Wednesday, he stated, "The tyres are very different from last year, but then again it's the same for everybody. I think the racing will change. I think one stop is impossible and at this stage also two stops, so I think it
will be a three or four-stop race. I think it will make it very interesting."
Vettel further added, "The question is if it is a good thing for us or a bad thing. It's hard to say now because obviously we have to get going first and see how the races unfold. But other than that we have the rear wing which should make overtaking a bit
easier to us… A lot of questions, but I think we will only find the real answer when we go racing, really."
However, many of the teams and race experts already believe that the youngest World Champ, Vettel, and his team will be dominating the tracks once again this year. The Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also commented on the new tyres that he does not believe
the early degradations of Pirelli will make that a big difference as the strong drivers will still remain strong.
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