Drivers’ champion Verstappen is not convinced it is a good idea to scrap the use of tyre warmers in Formula 1, and Norris agrees with him despite the FIA’s plans for 2024
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are among the drivers who have voiced their concerns about the plan to ban the use of tyre blankets in Formula 1.
The process of phasing them out of the sport has already begun. Last season front tyres could be heated up to 100 degrees before being fitted to cars and back tyres to 80 degrees, but this season that has dropped to 70 for both.
And next year it will be reduced further to 50 degrees, before the tyre warmers are scrapped altogether from 2024. The planned reduction for next season was tested during practice ahead of the United States Grand Prix last weekend, in a session which saw drivers struggle to control the rear ends of their cars on colder rubber.
Speaking about that Pirelli tyre test, Verstappen said: “It was not enjoyable. I drove on 50 degrees and I almost spun in the pit lane. I also had the hardest compound but I think there is a lot more to it.