Pirelli changes 2018-tyres at Mercedes' request

Pirelli is set to make some changes to the 2018-compounds after a request by reigning champions Mercedes, who think that the compounds blister too much.

The request was made after pre-season testing in Barcelona when Mercedes thought they suffered extreme blistering.

“The new asphalt is blacker and smoother and producing even more grip," Pirelli motorsports boss Mario Isola said.

Isola denies that the request from Mercedes actually made Pirelli change the compounds.

"We were going to do it anyway," he insisted.

The tyres will be 0,4 mm thinner in Barcelona, Silverstone and Paul Ricard - all circuits that have fresh asphalt. Normally, Pirelli would need 70% agreement to perform a change like this, but the Italians are claiming this is a safety precaution, which overrules that normal ruling.

"We have no problems with blisters," a McLaren-source told This is F1, claiming that Mercedes is getting special treatment.

"Our car is gentler on the tyres," Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo added.

"Why should we change the tyre if Mercedes has a problem with it?" an unnamed team principal agreed.