Curbstone wrote: ↑02 Aug 2023, 13:41
basti313 wrote: ↑02 Aug 2023, 13:15
marcel171281 wrote: ↑02 Aug 2023, 08:32
Given the (expected) wet weekend, wouldn't they have chosen a setup that would generate more heat into the tyres? And therefore they were very concerned about too much thermal deg. Something GP literally mentioned to Verstappen during the race.
I think this is the point. No one knew how the tires were affected, so they had to play it save in Eau rouge. If you run the car 1sec faster then the rest you simply have more risk of a tire failure.
That doesn't make much sense, which is also explained in the video. Eau Rouge / Raidillon might put some stress on the tire, but it's followed by a very long straight. This means the tire has a lot of time to cool, but also a small lift will give a speed deficit for a very long time. Resulting in the loss of about 0,5 seconds. Spa also has some other corners which are stressing the tires a lot, but which aren't followed by a long straigth. So lifting in those corners would relieve the tire just as much without the enormous time loss.
I listened to the onboard radio all race long, and I don't remember Max was told to do tire management in specific corners. I know that in other races this is a topic which is discussed clearly and without much code words.
The messages in Spa about the tires were mainly about 'bringing them in easily', and regarding the low tire temperatures in the end of the second stint.
I don't believe it was a tire issue.
To offer a counter view, this section of the track isn't unduly affecting the tyre heat as primary concern, Pirelli say this is the absolute highest loaded experience the tyre sees in the whole calendar.
Lateral, traction positive, traction negative (braking) all heat the tread surface plus flex the carcass of the tyre based on surface adhesion and limited by that.
Vertical loading doesn't ultimately have the grip limitations, just how much the tyre is squashed into the ground. They make the tyre to handle the load total, with downforce etc by specific structure to control and restrain the CONSTANT vehicle load and duty cycle expected and so prevent failure in race conditions.
This section of track lays at the very far extreme of that reasonable performance envelope,, being careful here certainly makes sense if you dont really need the pace. CH words were to the effect that they could see the tyre "opening up" and usually an indication the tread temp is reaching or being held close to it's highest margin, ultimately this can lead to a reduction of the tyre capacity to handle the vertical loading it would normally be OK at, and particularly relevant to probably the most downforce effective chassis, may indeed move them closer to uncontrolled structural failure without much warning.
Looked entirely sensible to me. Can understand also the paranoia between drivers (we've heard this a few times already) hence the question about "the other car"
that's just part of team management when success is on the table.
To me there's not much in way of conspiracy, no-one would want to chuck it away while holding 1 & 2 in reality, would they.
