Formula 1 will undergo huge changes for 2021 and one of these will be the introduction of 18-inch wheels to replace the current 13-inch rims.

Pirelli will continue to supply the tires for the premiere open-wheel racing class and conducted the first real-world tests of the tires at France’s Paul Ricard circuit with the help of Renault.

On the surface, switching from 13- to 18-inch wheels may not seem like a big deal. However, as Road and Track discovered while speaking with the head of Pirelli’s Formula 1 tire program, Mario Isola, it is a quite a serious task.

Also Read: Racing Point Exec Says 2021 F1 Cars Will Be “Nasty Piece Of Work To Drive”

One of the most significant challenges is that, because the sidewall height of the tires will be dramatically reduced, the tire sidewalls will no longer act as part of the car’s suspension, meaning they need to be made much stronger. Tests have already shown more than 2,645 lbs (1,200 kg) acting on each tire.

Pirelli will, nevertheless, be able to gain some valuable data next year as Formula 2 will shift to 18-inch wheels.

“The level of forces, and the level of stress that is acting on a tire designed for Formula 1 is not comparable to Formula 2,” Isola said. “But anyway, we have the opportunity to have one full year of racing. So real conditions, real environment… and for sure, we can learn from that.”

It’s not just new wheels that will define cars in 2021. Most notably, the cars will prioritize ground effect downforce over huge wings. In theory, this will make it much easier for cars to following each other, promoting overtaking.

F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli
F1’s 18-Inch Wheels Look The Part But Are Proving A Challenge For Pirelli