Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned that Pirelli is in a "difficult situation" since their tyre compounds are not able to take on the continued increase in the performance of the F1 cars year after year.
Wolff stated,"They need to cope with the level that we are developing a F1 car with more and more downforce, and they can’t really create a new product every single year."
Formula 1 Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton recently shared his concern regarding the tyre quality that Pirelli offered following the unfortunate events that he along with many other drivers witnessed in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Earlier this week, Lewis Hamilton asked Pirelli to offer better tyres with grip levels that are similar to the hypersoft compound which were previously used. He stated that drivers are seeking tyres which would allow them to push the car to its limits.
Also See: Lewis Hamilton Asks Pirelli To Provide Better Tyres In 2022.
Toto Wolff stated that, "I would wish in the future for a good compromise between having the right tyre for modern Formula 1 cars, which will reduce in downforce quite considerably, and I think that we will stop these discussions that are on tyre pressures and are on loads with Pirelli.
"I hope that it would be an easier job for them to deliver and supply a tyre that everybody is happy to race on.”
Wolff mentioned that Hamilton's suggestion was "probably a physical impossibility”. He added that, “A tyre that has still that much grip and lasts for fifty percent of the race, that would be fantastic for the drivers. “I’m not sure it would provide a great show.”
The FIA had given Pirelli a 'target letter' which consisted of specifications regarding what tyre compounds should be offered by Pirelli. FIA had asked Pirelli to offer tyres with better grip and durability.
Later, a new target letter was also given to Pirelli which mentions about tyres for 2022. FIA has written about switching the currently used 13-inch rims to 18-inch rims as part of Formula 1's overhaul.
FIA head of single-seater matters Nikolas Tombazis recognised that the task put forward to Pirelli was not practical.
"With hindsight, the first target letter did actually ask Pirelli to do impossible things, in terms of low degradation and being able to push all the time, but still having multiple pit stops and a crossover between tyres,” Tombazis said.
“It was, with hindsight, probably a bit setting goalposts where it's impossible to score. And I think we have to recognise that.
“But I think the work done with the initial 18-inch tyres shows that they are going definitely in the right direction. I think that the initial 18-inch tests were very promising. Hopefully we will get to a much better place in a year-and-a-half."
