It has been revealed that McLaren and Aston Martin drivers will test the new Pirelli slick tyres at Spa-Francorchamps.
Versions of tyres suited for F1 cars have been developed by Formula 1 tyre manufacturer Pirelli that do not require tyre blankets to pre-heat them before usage on the track.
The Pirelli blanket-free tyre’s wet variant has been in use ever since it was unveiled for the first time in Monaco. Next season, an intermediate variant is anticipated to debut.
Although the debut of blanket-free tyres in competition has already been tested in Bahrain, Spain and the UK after races, it has not yet been decided if it will come about in 2024 or 2025.
Many drivers have voiced their concerns about the tires, including George Russell who spoke out last month.
“If I’m being totally honest, I don’t think we as a sport are at a position yet to bring these tyres into a racing scenario,” the Mercedes driver said.
“I would be very concerned for all the mechanics in the pit lane during a pitstop, I’d be very concerned for the out lap from a race in cold conditions.
“There will be crashes, I have no doubt about it. And I think there’s a lot of work, expense, development going into these tyres. I feel like that could be put elsewhere.”
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren and Stoffel Vandoorne from Aston Martin will undertake the test at Spa-Francorchamps on August 1-2, following this weekend’s event.
This year, Felipe Drugovich and Belgian driver Vandoorne serve as Aston Martin’s reserve drivers. Vandoorne who is a former Formula E champion, has additionally served as a backup driver for Mercedes in the past.
