Time for the wheels to go

As I look through all the pics of the new cars, the one thing that stands out to me is how silly the 13" wheels look on these cars. We have these high-end, envelope-pushing cars with throwback 1970 wheels and stupid fat sidewalled tires. They just don't work anymore... visually. I think they significantly detract from the aesthetics of the modern F1 car. Time for a change?

 

Pirelli have tested 18 inch but it is unclear if 2017 rule change will adopt them

Pirelli reveal 18-inch tyre design ahead of test · F1 Fanatic

 

It's been like this for 40 odd years in F!, so it's not hurting my eyes at all.

That said, this is an F1 car on 18''.

Don't mind the look. But am indifferent to it whatever they choose to do.
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The reason for the 13" wheels was to reign in brake development.

 

I know it's up in the air what will happen... but that looks so much better. It fits.

 

+1 No big deal to me either way.

I know that's the reason 'they' claim, but that's another one that's always struck me as BS.

Just write a rule that says disk size is limited to xxx mm. I guess they'd also need to limit pad size too, but it's not hard.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

The current fat tires are part of the suspension. If they reduce the sidewall of the tire the the entire suspension system will have to be re-engineered in a major way. This will certainly effect the handling of the car and I would imagine the looks as well because the suspension maybe more bulky or heavy. I don't care either way.

 

+1

The tires are a huge part of the compliance in the suspension. Why they don't need Rose bushes for suspension mounts etc.

It could certainly be done, but as already noted, it's not a big deal either way.

Cheers,
Ian

 

Agreed

 

Rubbish. The cars look just fine with 13 inches. It's never changed for many years, and i don't see how suddenly it can become ugly.

 

This reason above all else makes the most sense as to why I'd push for bigger wheels. Visually the modern cars all look pretty great.

 

The reason Michelin is pushing so hard for 18" is road car tire relevance. I'm all for having better tires on my car as a result. Unlike the current 'power units' they won't detract for the show other than taking some getting used to. Even the power units I'm begrudgingly beginning to accept given the insane efficiencies they're at (and still increasing). This is the kind of technology that really does trickle down to what we drive to the grocery store.

 

Bingo

 

It doesn't bother me either way.

 

I'm sure Pirelli are thrilled by such comments!

+1

I've been saying for ages that the efficiency of these things is nothing short of stunning.

Cheers,
Ian

 

Bring on 18" wheels/tires and the braking power that comes with it!

 

The low profile tires do look strange on an F1 car.

 

They sorda do but not nearly as out of place as 13 inch wheel and tire combos on the modern car.

Let them rework suspension and braking...shake things up and allow innovation in those areas. Teams won't be able to sit back and rely on relatively unchanged aspects of the car. Maybe then 30hp won't decide between dual championships and a distant second at the end of the season.

 

Fat sidewalks allow for bigger advertising logo for the tire manufacturer.

 

Along with about 2,700 Pirelli signs around the track.

 

The only place I see 13" wheels and tires these days. Not exactly a modern car.
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White sidewalls!

 

Which compound is that again??

 

At least someone was counting

 

I think the step to 18" is to big of a jump, but 15" would look good, and 15" are standard on lots of vehicles.