Verstappen: No tyre war in F1 has encouraged Pirelli to 'take it easy'

Max Verstappen says the lack of a tyre war in Formula 1 has encouraged Pirelli to take a very conservative approach to tyre development, especially regarding its wet weather product.

In 2011, Pirelli succeeded Bridgestone as F1's exclusive tyre supplier.

The FIA's decision to rely on a single supplier for F1 followed years of open competition that eventually led to swiftly rising costs and large gaps of performance between manufacturers.

Exclusivity has allowed Pirelli to develop its product for F1's specific needs, be they technical or in terms of entertainment, with degrading compounds that have emphasized a race's strategic component.

However, over the years there has also been a fair amount of criticism directed at Pirelli regarding durability or grip levels from the like of Verstappen, but also Lewis Hamilton and other drivers.

"Naturally, when you have a tyre war, people will go to the extremes and really push everything they have in terms of resources," explained Verstappen, talking to Viaplay.

"When you don't have a tyre war, you just take it easy. It still costs a lot of money, don't get me wrong, but you don't need to find another two or three-tenths."

• Read also: Pirelli details F1 winter tyre testing schedule

Last year, the Dutchman also took aim at Pirelli's wet weather product. After last October's rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen, who won the race, said the tyres "can't carry a lot of water" in extreme conditions.

The two-time F1 World Champion has offered to help Pirelli improve its wet-weather rubber.

"I'm pretty sure it is possible, but I guess we just need more discussions with them," he said.

"I'm not trying to be negative because I'm very happy to work with them to just find better tyres and I think that will really create even better wet weather racing.

"I might talk to them very soon, who knows? I just want to help out because they are around for a long time and that's great as they have invested a lot into [F1] and they are a great brand, but we can do better.

"The aim is there, so I always want to do better. The teams wants to do better and I hope they also want to."

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