F1 supplier Pirelli has expanded its range of tyres this season, adding a new superhard and hypersoft options at each end of its rubber spectrum.

The increased number of compounds will allow tyre nominations that are more specifically suited to each race, as well as softer options in general for 2018, a move which will likely lead to another big reduction in lap times, according to Pirelli.

Former F1 driver and Channel 4 consultant Karun Chandok, in association with Mobil 1 The Grid, offers some insight into the enduring importance of tyres in F1, and why this year’s Pirelli range is a step in the right direction for the sport.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Norris gets a pole-position welcome at old primary school

Fresh from pre-season testing and with a world title now stitched onto his racing overalls,…

1 hour ago

Two on the trot for Laffite and Ligier in Brazil

On this day in 1979, Jacques Laffite won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos as…

2 hours ago

Russell hungry for ‘head-to-head’ title clash with Verstappen

George Russell is not hiding his appetite for a showdown this season in F1. In…

3 hours ago

Vowles confident Williams won’t start F1 season ‘on the back foot’

Williams may have missed the first public glimpse of Formula 1’s bold new era, but…

4 hours ago

Mercedes Allison’s big takeaway from F1’s Barcelona test

Mercedes technical director James Allison arrived in Barcelona last week bracing for chaos – and…

5 hours ago

Verstappen rules out F1 management role after retirement

Max Verstappen has made one thing crystal clear about life after Formula 1: don’t expect…

22 hours ago