‘Be cautious on F1 pitstops’

– Formula One should be wary of forcing drivers to make more pitstops as part of future efforts to make races more exciting, according to tyre supplier Pirelli’s motor racing head Mario Isola.

The idea of having two mandatory pitstops, rather than just one at present, has been around for some years and remains under discussion as the sport plans a major rules revamp after 2020.

“There was a lot of talk about imposing two stops by regulation,” Isola told at the Autosport International show.

“I’m not sure that is the right solution because you have the risk of all the cars stopping on the same lap,” added the Italian.

The suggestion was discussed last year, but nothing was changed for 2019, as the sport looked at how to encourage more varied team strategies amid concern about the number of onestop races.

Isola said removing the obligation for the top 10 to start the race on tyres used in the second phase of qualifying was also still ‘on the table’.

Pirelli have simplified their colour-coded range of tyres for 2019 from seven to three (soft, medium and hard), making it easier for the casual fan to know what is being used.

Formula One has already announced that the tyres will change from 13-inch (33.02 cm) wheel rims to 18-inch ones in 2021, when tyre warmers – used to raise temperatures before the race for better grip and performance – will be banned.

Isola said the combined changes posed a major challenge for Pirelli, who last November won a tender to remain as sole supplier until the end of the 2023 season.

The 2021 technical regulations, aiming to facilitate overtaking by allowing cars to follow more closely, have yet to be finalised, however, and time is pressing.

There was a lot of talk about imposing two stops by regulation. Mario Isola Pirelli motor racing head