Pirelli’s Chief Engineer Simone Berra Disagrees with Lewis Hamilton’s Claim on Tyre Allocation Operating Window
As reported in Formula 1 news, a recent dispute has emerged between Lewis Hamilton and Pirelli’s Chief Engineer Simone Berra regarding the manufacturer’s current tyre allocation operating window. During the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with the compounds supplied in 2024, claiming the operating range was “minuscule”.
Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 champion, labelled the tyres as his “least favourite” since Pirelli became the single supplier, citing the range has a “peaky” performance. He explained that the tyres have a very narrow working window, making it challenging to optimise the balance and achieve good grip throughout the lap.
“The tyres have a very narrow working window, making it challenging to optimise the balance and achieve good grip throughout the lap.”
- Lewis Hamilton
However, Berra has countered these claims, stating that the issue is not with the tyres but rather with the field being closer to each other, making tyre management more crucial. According to Berra, the tyre characteristics haven’t changed, but the smaller differences between teams nowadays make it essential to be on the perfect spot with the tyres to gain a competitive edge.
When asked about Hamilton’s comments, Berra told Autosport that every tyre has a peak at some point, and the operating window is always just a definition. He emphasized that the level of detail required now is quite significant, and even the smallest mistake can make a significant difference.
Berra also highlighted that the peakiness of the tyres can vary a lot from car to car and even between compounds. Using the C4 and C5 compounds as examples, he admitted that these compounds can be peaky, especially with high temperatures.
While Berra acknowledged that the tyres play a role in this peaky performance, he stressed that the car, suspension, and how the car is exploiting the compound performance are also significant factors. In other words, it’s not just about the tyres, but about the overall package.
As the 2024 Formula 1 calendar continues, the debate surrounding Pirelli’s tyre allocation and its operating window is sure to remain a topic of interest among Formula 1 fans and enthusiasts. For those looking for more information on Formula 1 news, including the latest updates on tyres and tyre allocation, Formula 1 autocentre is a valuable resource.
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