David Coulthard believes the reintroduction of a second tire supplier to F1 would bring about a natural “competitive change” to certain circuits.
Pirelli has been the sport's sole tire supplier since 2011, with the previous 'tire war' between Bridgestone and Michelin ending with Michelin's withdrawal from F1 at the end of 2006.
With tires leveling the playing field on the road, Coulthard questioned whether a second supplier would help improve the spectacle of F1.
David Coulthard: “There's no doubt in my mind that a second tire supplier will improve F1”
Pirelli has won the bidding process to remain F1's sole tire supplier until the end of 2027, beating out Bridgestone with an option for a one-year extension.
This would ensure F1's monopoly on the tire market for at least the next four seasons, but Coulthard said competition in that area could add another element to the progression and disrupt the standings. He explained that there is.
Potential return of F1's 'tire wars' discussed formula for success Speaking on the podcast, Coulthard believes that having a competitor next to Pirelli will create a natural “competitive shift” at different tracks.
“Competition improves breeds, competition improves us as humans, competition improves goods and services, competition improves racing. So I think everything would be a little better with competition.” There's no doubt in my mind,” said the former McLaren and Red. The bull driver explained.
“Right now, Pirelli has done a great job of delivering what is being asked of them in terms of the situation with the previous tires, running with bigger tires. He’s winning.”
“That potentially means Pirelli won't make as much money from the advertising it runs on track, but it would be impossible for both tire manufacturers to advertise in the same way. You can’t estimate” – There’s the Mercedes safety car, and then there’s the Aston Martin safety car.
“But at the moment I don't think we want to hold a tire competition, but I think it would be better.
“And the other thing is that it's Pirelli that has the right tires for the circuit, and for argument's sake, it's that Bridgestone has the right tires.
“So you end up with a natural competitive shift from track to track based on the only thing touching the ground: the tires.”
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However, co-host Eddie Jordan gravitated towards the team he felt was the most competitive, as the major tire suppliers were locked in a heated battle with Bridgestone in F1's previous 'tire wars'. I was somewhat opposed to this idea. And Michelin.
He explained: “I was in this kind of era where there were different manufacturers and the main manufacturer was Michelin, the Renault team would be chosen, and they chose the team they thought could win the championship. Of course, there's a very big budget out there, so they'll pay accordingly.
“And I don't see how you can get into the competition without making a lot of money fall free. I just don't know what's going to happen.”
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