Formula 1 reverses 2021 tyre blanket ban decision

An initial decision for tyre blankets to be banned when the new sized tyres and regulations come in 2021 has been reverted but will be phased out over time.

The new 18-inch tyres that will make an appearance in Formula 1 in 2021 brought along the ban on blankets being used over the tyres but Pirelli have been pushing to keep them for an easier transition.
 
F1 teams also wanted to keep blankets at first to be able develop solutions and understand how to keep tyres at the right temperatures.
 
Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola told Motorsport.com: “In 2021 we have big changes. We have a new car, a new aero package, we have new tyres, a new size and so on.
“The idea is to have a transition and remove the blankets, but over a period of time.

“So in 2021 we keep the blankets, in order to have a reference, and then step-by-step we will go in that direction of not having them.
“When we discussed it I don’t remember any strong opposition.

“The discussion was quite clear and transparent, analysing the pros and the cons of the decision, and we agreed that it is beneficial for the sport to continue, and have this transition.”

Another reason for the ban on blankets was as a cost-saving measure for teams but that won’t be the case for the time being as they will be bought until transitioned out of the sport.