George Russell is worried about the unheated tyres
While several tests of these new tires have already been conducted, George Russell raises concerns about these tires that could cause numerous dangers.
Pirelli announced several months ago its intention to introduce new tires in 2024, without tire warmers. These devices, introduced in the 1980s, allow drivers to have tires that are easier to heat up when they leave the pits and during the following lap. They also provide a bit more safety, and it is precisely on this point that George Russell disagrees with these new tires.
According to Russell, these tires are not credible.
To be completely honest, I don’t think we are ready to use these tires in a racing scenario yet, stated the Mercedes driver. According to him, they would pose too much of a risk of accidents for the drivers, and even more simply, they would bring danger to the circuit.
« I would be very worried for all the mechanics on pit lane during a pit stop, I would be very worried for the out lap in cold conditions. There will be accidents, I have no doubt about it. » The president of the pilots’ association is completely against the implementation of these tires without heating blankets for 2024. It would bring unnecessary danger for the British driver.
George Russell doesn’t seem to stop and even goes as far as criticizing all the efforts that are put into the development of these tires. And I think there is a lot of work, expenses, and development in these tires. I feel like they could be used for other purposes, the driver explained. Driver number 63 is a committed driver, especially when it comes to safety, so this stance is not surprising coming from him.
He is not alone
Charles Leclerc, after testing these tires in Barcelona, also expressed his questioning and concerns. Although he had not tested them in cold conditions, which George Russell criticizes, the Monegasque did not seem reassured. « At lower temperatures, I don’t know. I haven’t tested these tires at lower temperatures and that’s where there is a big question mark. So it’s very difficult to say if I will be happy to go there. Maybe I would like to test these tires in different conditions and then see if they are suitable for racing in all conditions, » he announced.
Tests are still planned, they will give us more details on these presumed tires set to take effect as early as next season.
