Pirelli does not even criticise Hamilton: 'We do listen to the drivers'

Lewis Hamilton indicated prior to the Belgian Grand Prix that he was not happy with the lack of influence the F1 drivers have on the tyres they use every weekend. According to the reigning world champion, drivers need to get more involved with Pirelli in order to get better tyres in the future. However, Pirelli says they are listening to the drivers' input.

"We listen to the drivers. I do not want us to give the message that we are not listening to the drivers, because every time the drivers want to say something, we make time for it. I am speaking not only on behalf of Pirelli, but also on behalf of the FIA," explains Mario Isola, Pirelli's boss, to Autosport. 

Compromises must be made

"We would like to follow Lewis' advice, but first we have to put it down on paper. At the end of the day, we all need to reach a compromise. We cannot guarantee 100% grip and 100% equality without wear and tear. We have already had a lot of discussion about the target for 2021, with the 18-inch tyres, but that target has now gone to 2022," Isola explains.

According to Isola, the opinion of the drivers is important, but there will be a big process after that. "We have had a lot of discussion about reducing wear, because if you reduce wear there is no reason to make more than one stop. Basically, if you don't have any degradation for the tyre, why waste time stopping, and maybe lose your position on the track?"