Does Formula One Need A Tyre War?

Force India, AGP. (C)

    There's a term bandied around Formula One that as an avid fan our palette simply finds unsavoury, let alone being able to digest it. "Tyre Management." Do not misconstrue our sentiment though. By no means is this a condemnation of F1's sole tyre supplier Pirelli. Since taking over the tyre tender from Bridgestone in 2011, we think Pirelli have done a marvellous job. They have complied with F1's requests regarding tyre composition and degradation characteristics. Now in 2018 they have introduced 2 new compounds, with all compounds softer than the previous year, yet degrade in a linear fashion. They supply the teams with 3 dry weather compounds for each race, with the teams mandated to use two of those in the race, thereby deeming at least one pitstop.
    Some of 2018's races made compelling viewing, while others were, well, processional. Despite Pirelli and the rule maker's best efforts to induce multiple pitstops in each race, the teams were able to bring one stop races to fruition through measured tyre management. Remember F1 teams have the best motorsport engineers in the world. Anything taken away from them, they'll find a way to claw it back. Therefore, is qualifying now the only time F1 cars are driven on the limit? 
    Fans want to see F1 cars driven to their potential, raced to the maximum of their capability all the time. They also don't want to see engines "turned down" to preserve them because they are only allowed 3 a season. So what options are there to achieve this? Perhaps legislating the use of all three tyre compounds in the race, rendering two stop races with shorter stints on each set of tyres. This would allow the drivers to push all the time. Alternatively, would it be too contrived to decree pitstop windows to determine when teams can service their cars? Would dispensing with the maximum fuel flow rate while still governing the total fuel limit allow the teams to push? All options have pros and cons.
    Formula One is set for a major design and rule upheaval in a couple of years with the tyre supply contract also up for tender. Despite a number of worldwide motorsport categories adopting a single tyre supplier in the name of parity, could F1 benefit from a tyre war? Pirelli have desire to renew, while Michelin and Hankook have expressed an interest in applying.  Seeking an advantage between the tyre suppliers would be the catalyst to drive up competition through tyre development. Anyone who's raced anything knows that the most important factor in the package is the rubber.
    So, does anyone find a tyre war palatable?

    A very happy Christmas and exciting New Year to all our friends and surfers. God bless and see you all in 2019.
    
    

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