Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has launched a blistering attack on Pirelli's tyres, branding them "like driving on ice" after a challenging practice session ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Champion's Concerns Mount at Imola
The Red Bull star didn't mince words when describing his experience with the Italian manufacturer's rubber during Friday's running at the historic Imola circuit. "It's like driving on ice, really," Verstappen stated bluntly, highlighting what he perceives as a significant safety concern for drivers.
Verstappen's criticism comes after he experienced multiple moments where the car became unpredictable, particularly during the second practice session where he finished fourth fastest behind the Ferraris and McLaren's Lando Norris.
"Terrifying" Moments for Triple Champion
"It's not a very nice feeling," the Dutch driver elaborated. "I think it's also because of the tyres, they are not working. I'm just drifting around, I don't really have grip. And then suddenly, it starts to grip up a bit, but it's very unpredictable.
"I think that's not how it should be. And once you slide, the tyre overheats and it doesn't come back. So it's just driving like on ice."
Performance vs Safety Debate Reignited
Verstappen's comments have reignited the ongoing debate between performance and safety in Formula 1's tyre development. The triple world champion emphasised that the current situation creates unnecessary risks for drivers pushing to find the limit.
"It's also a bit of a safety thing," Verstappen warned. "If you're pushing and the tyre is not working, and suddenly it does work, then you're in the wall. So that's not ideal."
Team Principal Backs Driver Concerns
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner supported his star driver's assessment, noting that the circuit's evolving conditions combined with tyre characteristics were creating particular challenges. "It's very difficult for the drivers at the moment," Horner confirmed.
The criticism comes at a crucial time for Pirelli, who have been Formula 1's exclusive tyre supplier since 2011. The Italian manufacturer has frequently faced scrutiny from teams and drivers about tyre performance across different circuits and conditions.
What This Means for Imola Weekend
With qualifying and the race still ahead, the tyre performance issues raised by Verstappen could significantly impact strategy decisions throughout the grid. Teams will be analysing data extensively overnight to understand how to maximise performance from the challenging rubber.
As the Formula 1 circus continues its European leg, all eyes will be on whether Pirelli can address these concerns and whether Verstappen's Red Bull can find a solution to conquer the Imola challenges.
