F1 shouldn’t ask teams/drivers about tyres

Jamie Woodhouse
Kevin-Magnussen-frustrated-PA

Kevin-Magnussen-frustrated-PA

Haas’ Kevin Magnussen doesn’t believe teams or drivers should have a say on the 2020 tyre compound because they will only look to benefit themselves.

An extra tyre test has been scheduled to follow the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the 2020 prototype tyres which teams sampled in Austin received widespread negative feedback.

If teams still aren’t happy then the FIA will hold a meeting and propose the option to stay with the 2019 construction – a majority of seven or more teams would be needed to force the 2020 compounds to be scrapped.

But, Magnussen would much rather see F1 just introduce the new compounds next year and not ask the teams or drivers for their opinions, believing at the end of the day all opinions will be biased based on what suits them.

“I think it’s very difficult to take the opinion of the drivers and the teams,” he said as quoted by F1i.com.

“Because everyone will just say what looks like their advantage and go for what they think is best for themselves.

“At the end of the day, it’s the same tyre for everyone. So, F1 should go with the tyre that makes the best show. That’s it.”

Speaking of making the best show, Magnussen would like to see the tyre war return to give Pirelli some competition, a situation not seen since 2006 when Bridgestone and Michelin supplied the grid.

“I would love to see it, it’s exciting,” said the Danish driver.

“But there’s a whole lot of other factors going into that that makes it difficult.”

F1 will switch to 18-inch tyres from 2021, something which Magnussen has experienced before in his junior career.

“I have once driven an 18-inch tyre, but not in a Formula 1 car”, he said. “It was the World Series by Renault, Michelin was testing. It wasn’t a disaster.

“I’m looking forward to see how it’s going to be in 2021, the regulations and if it really is going to bring the field closer. It should do, but it’s going to be exciting to see.”

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