Bigger wheels likely on the 2021 horizon for F1

There's a strong chance Formula 1 will include a move from 13-inch to 18-inch wheels in the sport's regulation overhaul set to take place in 2021.

The general consensus among team engineers and F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn is that the high-profile wheels - already seen in the WEC and in Formula E - would simply reflect the prevailing trend in the high performance segment of the automotive industry.

A report from Motorsport.com contends that FIA race director Charlie Whiting has confirmed the likely change.

"I would say so. It is part of the package that we are discussing," said Whiting.

The prospect of running bigger wheels would obviously entail heavy design changes of the current cars' suspension systems. It has been suggested that the move could be made as soon as 2020 however, when a new tyre supply contract with F1 comes into effect following the expiration of Pirelli's current deal.

But common sense would likely mean the change would be implemented for 2021 when F1's new regulation platform is introduced.

• F1 must remain 'technological' challenge for Pirelli, says CEO

Regardless of the timing, Pirelli is ready to make the change, should it come into force during its tenure.

"We are open," the Italian company's CEO, Marco Tronchetti Provera said in Monaco.

"Obviously they have to find the right regulation, and have the teams ready to adopt it.

"There are a number of issues of aerodynamics, of suspension and so on. When the teams are ready, we are ready.

"For us it is always technology. We are happy with 13, we are happy with 18. Tyres are more visible, the bigger they are, the better it is. But the technological challenges are different."

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola said the move to bigger wheels would obviously require a comprehensive test programme in advance.

"At the moment we haven't discussed this in detail yet," Isola told Motorsport.com.

"Because it's not just the tyre regulations that are missing, but all the regulations.

"We said that we are ready to do whatever they ask, with the proper time and testing. This is our position.

"We have to make a proper plan. In the past we made different tyres, we made wider tyres, we are always trying to follow what are F1's requirements. But we'll need a proper car to test. It's a similar situation to 2016, with the wider tyres."

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