Albon Exposes Harsh Truth About Wet F1 Tires That Makes Drivers Look ‘Weak’

Williams Racing Formula One driver Alex Albon has opened up about why the sport does not use wet tires when the conditions demand them. He also highlighted how drivers are put in an “awkward” situation that makes them look “weak” whenever they refuse to race in the wet.

The last two Grand Prix weekends at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps witnessed wet races, which added to the excitement. However, for the drivers, the experience could be scary at times due to visibility problems.

The race at Spa highlighted the gravity of the situation after it was red-flagged following the formation lap. Drivers complained of reduced visibility due to the spray being emitted by the cars in front, highlighting the danger of racing in the rain.

The Belgian GP began after an 80-minute delay once the rain cloud had passed, which led many to suggest the FIA was too cautious in its approach to racing in the rain.

The decision also led many to question why the race wasn’t allowed to continue on wet tires. With this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix forecasted to have a 60 percent chance of rain, Albon was asked why the wet tire wasn’t used in the last two race weekends. He said:

“I mean, I would say I agree, but I think the people who are most vocal about not driving are the drivers. We are vocal when we think it’s ready to go and when we think it was time. But at the moment, the full wet tyre and the conditions of the tracks, they don’t align.

“The tracks are too wet. It’s not the tyres that are not good enough, it’s just that we can’t see. Unfortunately, we’re the only ones that can truly tell you what this is.
I think the drivers are actually put in a bit of an awkward position in that sense because we look weak.”

Albon referenced an incident from the British GP, where Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar was blinded by the spray, causing him to crash into Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He said:

“We look like the ones that are complaining and that we should just get on with it, whereas I think a good example would have been Isack and Kimi in Silverstone. It’s the worst feeling driving at 250kph and not being able to see 20 metres in front of you.

“I think the FIA listens to us very closely and they do monitor and they’re always looking for solutions and potential areas they can improve to help us. But yeah, it’s a really awkward conversation because I agree with you, the wets are fine to go racing. On the wets, on a clear track, we would be totally fine. But at the moment, these cars are producing a huge amount of spray.”