MILAN, Italy – Formula One teams have unanimously voted to retain the current Pirelli tire specifications ahead of the 2020 season.
The decision comes following the recent postseason test at the Yas Island Circuit in Abu Dhabi, where several teams spent time testing Pirelli’s proposed new tires that would have been utilized next season.
As a result of the vote, teams will no longer have to modify the designs of their 2020 cars, which would otherwise have been necessary to accommodate the different profile of the 2020 tire construction. This also allows teams to continue the development of their 2020 cars without being interrupted.
The plan now is for Pirelli to continue developing 18-inch tires, which will be used during the 2021 season and the next generation of Formula One cars. The 18-inch tires will allow for lower tire pressure settings, which would compensate for the increased performance expected from the next generation of F-1 cars.
Testing of the 2021 tires will continue next season, with a test scheduled in Jerez, Spain in February alongside the Ferrari Formula One team.