Grosjean: Important F1 fixes ‘big problem’ with tyres

Romain Grosjean has called on Formula 1 bosses to focus on giving drivers better quality tyres in the future as part of the planned changes for the sport, calling it “one of the big problems” at present.

Drivers have raced with soft tyres designed to degrade quickly and offer a variety of strategies since Pirelli became the sole supplier to F1 in 2011.

Pirelli’s existing contract expires at the end of the 2019 season, with the FIA confirming in July it will switch to 18-inch rims from 2021 as part of the planned technical changes for F1.

Grosjean said he was hopeful that the F1 can make moves to improve the quality of tyres, and added he would like to see a former supplier such as Bridgestone or Michelin return to the sport.

“We don’t have much information about 2021. I read in the press that it was 18-inch tyres, and I truly hope that Bridgestone or Michelin come back,” Grosjean told Crash.net.

“To me, one of the big problems with Formula 1 right now is tyres, for overtaking, or even being able to follow another car closely to make excitement. It’s just not possible. It’s a bit of a shame.

“I’ve read again on the internet this morning that the engine rules may not be changed. I don’t know. I would like to see more teams being able to fight for podiums and sometimes wins, like 2012 where we had seven winners in seven grands prix, that was amazing.

“It’s just great for the sport, great for the show, and great for people to watch it.”

Haas driver Grosjean added he would like to see F1 re-introduce refuelling - last seen in 2009 - in order to create strategic variety and offer more of a chance for surprising results.

“I haven’t spoken about it with GPDA or whatever, but personally I would like to see it coming back,” Grosjean said.

“Then the strategy is a bit more open. At the moment it’s a bit dictated, you know how you’re going to react [to strategy]. When you run out of fuel, you run out of fuel.”