Lewis Hamilton deems the ban on tyre warmers “dangerous”
When asked about the ban on heated blankets, Lewis Hamilton declares it was a pointless and dangerous exercise.
Pirelli has announced that they are working on tires that do not require the use of tire warmers, in anticipation of their potential ban starting next year. This measure still needs to be validated by a vote from the F1 teams, the FIA, and the FOM, which will take place during the British Grand Prix.
Nevertheless, numerous attempts have already been made over the years to ban these covers, without success. Indeed, tires, when not preheated, have to endure impressive temperature variations, which lead teams to face technical difficulties in producing tires capable of functioning quickly. As a result, drivers have expressed concerns about the grip of cold tires.
The paddock remains skeptical, just like Lewis Hamilton, who expressed himself during the pre-season tests in Bahrain.
« I think it’s dangerous,” he said. “» I have tested the lack of coverings, and there will be an incident at some point. So, I think it’s the wrong decision.”
The biggest problem is when you go out: you skate and it’s very nerve-wracking. If someone else has working tires, you can easily collide with them. So, it’s a useless exercise, he adds.
Furthermore, if the FIA emphasizes the desire to progress towards sustainability, the Mercedes driver does not believe that banning tire warmers is the solution. « You have to do several laps for the tires to work. The whole argument is that removing the warmers is more sustainable and greener, but in reality, we burn more fuel to bring the temperature into the tires. »
