George Russell also calls for changes to be made in the red flag rule after his rivals gained an advantage due to race stoppages at the Tuscan Grand Prix.
The Tuscan Grand Prix which was conducted at Mugello made the F1 teams nervous as the red-flag came out twice: Pile-up at the restart after a collision involving Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen. This resulted in Lance Stroll being late on forcing a second stoppage.
The issue of free tyre changes was first brought into the notice of the FIA at the Italian Grand Prix when Lance Stroll gained pace from a free tyre change during the Monza race. This helped Lance Stroll to take second place on new rubber for the restart.
Russell felt Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was able to benefit at Mugello because he was out of sync on his strategy at the second red flag, However, he was able to get a second free pitstop.
Also See: Lando Norris Is Not Happy With The Red Flag Pitstop Rule
"I do agree the biggest thing is the tyre change in the pitstop," explained Russell.
"These guys are getting free tyre changes.
"We were on a good strategy, the tyres were great for us and then suddenly people can box and put on whatever tyres they want. They ultimately get a free pitstop.
"I was ahead of Charles. He didn't box, he lucked into the red flag, and then he's ahead of me and can just put a new set of tyres on.
"So I lost a position to Charles under the red flag."
The opportunity for free tyre change when the red flag comes out has been in place for years, the benefits it can offer have only been highlighted in the last two races because there have been three red flags.
Russell felt if the FIA was going to use the red flag more frequently, then perhaps it would be right to adapt the regulations.
"If you're going to continue to do this more often, they need work on a couple of rules," he explained.
"You shouldn't be allowed to have a free tyre change as part of the race. You're in the race. You need to stay on the tyres you are on at that time.
"People plan their strategy around a normal race not around races that are getting two red flags in."
