Wurz blasts 18-inch wheels that 'bring nothing to drivers'

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GPDA chairman Alex Wurz has criticized F1's introduction from 2021 of 18-inch wheels, insisting the change was done only for marketing reasons and "brings nothing to drivers".

Formula 1 will reveal at the end of this month its 2021 regulations, but one transition that has already been agreed upon by all parties is a switch from 13 to 18-inch wheels, a change promoted by Pirelli, the sport's exclusive tyre supplier.

The new-spec wheel and tyres were tested for the first time last month at Paul Ricard by Renault, with reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin raking up the miles on board a mule car shod with F1's future low profile tyres.

Pirelli raked up the miles with first 18-inch tyre test

While Wurz understands the reasons for the switch, the former F1 racer insists the change is nothing more than a commercial decision which will add no real value to a driver's task behind the wheel and will only increase the weight of F1's already heavy machines.

"We have commercial decisions that are leading to imbalances," contended Wurz, speaking to Germany's Motorsport-Magazin.

"Like the 18-inch wheels that are to come. Drivers aren't happy because they bring 25 to 27 kilos just for the sake of a commercial benefit. They bring nothing to the driver.

"They may be a bit simpler for aerodynamics, but that argument doesn't count. They are much heavier. The only advantage is the marketing."

Indeed, the 18-inch profile follows a trend in the automobile industry and enhances a car's aesthetics.

But Wurz says that style alone without thrilling races won't prove to be a selling point for F1.

"I was called 'Mr Halo' when many journalists and fans predicted that when the Halo arrived, Formula 1 would be is dead," said the Austrian.

"But we've seen that it has saved a few drivers' and ratings haven't suffered. We've adjusted to it.

"I'm extremely focused on design," added Wurz.

"But whether there is a 19-inch or a 13-inch tyre on a car, if a car is stylishly designed and the races are thrilling, it's not the item that sells."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.