New Tyre Specs for 2021 F1 Season

For the 2021 Formula 1 season, a new tyre specification will be in effect, including a switch to 18-inch wheels. Recently, the FIA opened up invitations to various tyre manufacturers to bid to become the official F1 supplier. This is slated to take place between the 2020 and 2023 seasons.

According to a document by the FIA, “in keeping with the overall objectives for the evolution of the Formula 1 Technical Regulations in 2021, which aim (amongst other things) to improve the racing spectacle, significant changes to the tyre dimensions are planned “.

Currently, the sport uses 13-inch wheels and are expected to use the 18-inch variation. Additionally, the front wheel widths will be reduced from 305mm to 270mm. The rear wheels width will remain at the current standard of 405mm. Aside from that, the tyre warming blankets will also be abolished in 2021.

The FIA will be examining all applications that will be submitted by 31st August 2018. Following which, they will take a call on who will “meet the FIA’s technical and safety requirements”. The approved applications will then be forwarded to the commercial rights holder of the championship [Liberty Media]. They will conduct commercial negotiations with each approved bidder. After that, they will make the final selection.

“The FIA shall officially appoint the single supplier and contract with it in connection with the basis on which it will supply the competitors and any sporting considerations. The commercial rights holder of the championship shall be solely entitled to contract with the appointed single supplier concerning any rights of association with the championship to be conferred on the single supplier,” it added.

The approved supplier will be made aware of the “objectives that affect the sporting spectacle and are related to degradation, durability, temperature working range or wear characteristics,”. “The FIA will reserve the right to amend these requirements once per calendar year.”

Pirelli, who have been the official F1 tyre supplier since 2011, will benefit from its experience of producing the current 13-inch wheels.