Lewis Hamilton Calls for Return of Tyre Blankets on Full Wets After 'Painful' Pirelli Test

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he personally requested Pirelli to experiment with tyre blankets on full wet tyres during a recent test at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit, calling the two-day session "painful" but productive. The seven-time world champion pushed for the change after finding the current unblanketed wets dangerously slippery, and the results convinced him that blankets are essential for extreme wet conditions.

Why it matters:

Wet-weather performance has been a recurring issue in F1, with drivers often complaining about the lack of grip from full wets. Pirelli's ban on tyre blankets for wet compounds in 2023, aimed at reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, has left drivers struggling in heavy rain, forcing races to start behind safety cars or be red-flagged. Hamilton's direct input from a real-world test could accelerate a rethink.

The details:

• The test took place in April over two days at Ferrari's private Fiorano track, covering 300 laps. Hamilton described it as "painful" due to the sheer volume of running.
• Hamilton specifically asked Pirelli to fit blankets on the extreme wet tyres during the test. He noted that without blankets, the tyres were nearly impossible to bring up to temperature in the slipperiest conditions.
• He also revealed that Pirelli had already made a change to the intermediate tyre blankets after his suggestion, calling it "amazing" and a good step forward.
• When blankets were placed on the full wets, Hamilton said the improvement was "much better," implying improved grip and safety.

What's next:

Pirelli is now likely to review its wet-weather tyre strategy for 2026, with Hamilton's feedback adding weight to calls for a blanket exemption for the most extreme conditions. The FIA and teams have long debated the safety implications of cold wet tyres, and a driver of Hamilton's stature making a public plea could push the issue up the priority list. While no rule change is imminent, the data from Fiorano may convince Pirelli to reconsider its blanket ban for full wets.