WATCH: Pirelli Has the Most Innovative Welcome Message for the New 18-inch Tire at Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

Formula One is heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, celebrating the end of a few key things. The race will be the last time we see the big downforce generating F1 cars. It is also the last time we will see 13-inch Pirelli tires being fitted to an F1 car.

The sport is introducing new regulations next season. The regulations promise to allow close racing between the cars and tires are a big part of that change. Pirelli will drop its 13-ich wheel to the bigger 18-inch tires. To celebrate the last race on 13-inch tires on the modern F1 cars, Pirelli paid tribute in a very touching manner.

“Next year I turn 18” logo was showcased on the tires at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Pirelli’s tyres are growing up and turning of age next year… the big 18! The current 13″ tyres this weekend – their last outing – will carry the following message ‘next year I turn 18″‘ #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/MXwmky3fS0

— Motorsport Week (@MotorsportWeek) December 9, 2021

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Tires next year will be more consistent: Pirelli boss Mario Isola

As reported by Gear Patrol, there are a couple of reasons the tire manufacture is changing their tires for next season. Since the time Pirelli the new 13-inch tires, drivers have criticized the tires a lot because of overheating issues and degradation.

Since there will be new cars in 2022, Pirelli introduced the 18-inch tire to resolve these issues and make them more consistent.

Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates with the Pirelli Pole Position Award after qualifying in pole position FIA/Handout via REUTERS

“Why the change? I believe it’s part of the process that Liberty Media started a few years ago to give an image to Formula 1–a more modern image,” Isola said.

“Tires next year will be more consistent. We tried to design a new family of compounds with a different concept, with less overheating, with a wider working range. The potential risk is that we have the majority of the races on one stop because of the characteristics of the tire,” said the Pirelli boss.

All the F1 fans hope that the 18-inch tires are better than the current generation of tires. A better and more robust tire allows for better racing and makes the closer in battles.

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