Pirelli, the exclusive tyre supplier to F1, is planning to introduce a sixth tyre compound to its current range in 2018.
According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the extra compound would be placed at the far end of its soft tyres, a rubber therefore softer than Pirelli's present Ultrasoft tyre.
It has actually been suggested that all the current compounds will be a step softer next year.
"The new tyre and the softer compounds are badly needed," a team member is quoted as saying.
Also being discussed at present is how tyres will be allocated to the teams.
Some are arguing that teams should get free rein to choose from any of the six Pirelli compounds at each race. But Pirelli's Mario Isola is not convinced.
"With free choice, the top teams would choose harder compounds and still get into Q3 and then have a clear advantage in the race," he said.
However, others argue that if there is free choice, smaller teams will be able to select aggressively soft tyres and qualify artificially high up the grid.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
As Formula 1 concludes its North American leg, the FIA is preparing to conduct the…
Formula 1’s ongoing debate over the future of the sport has gained another heavyweight voice,…
On this day in 1995, Nigel Mansell closed the door on his career in Formula…
Who says the most intense action happens on the track? While the 2026 season is…
George Russell may be driving for Formula 1’s dominant team, but according to former F1…
Christian Horner’s Formula 1 exile may already be ticking toward its conclusion – and if…