F1: Pirelli rules out Hamilton tire request

Pirelli is "unlikely" to agree to Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton's request for a bespoke tire for next year's Mexican Grand Prix.

The Mexico City track had undergone significant renovation for F1's return after a 23-year absence last weekend. A combination of the type of asphalt used, relatively cool temperatures and wet weather that washed away rubber laid down earlier in the weekend contributed to drivers struggling for grip.

After the race, Hamilton said: "I think they should make special tires for this race because we need more grip."

Pirelli went for a conservative choice of the medium and soft for Mexico this year as it lacked data about the new track. Although its motorsport director Paul Hembery conceded Pirelli would "probably" offer a softer tire next year, when its compound range will increase with the introduction of an "ultrasoft," but saw no need for any additional measures.

"It's always very hard when you come to a new circuit as you're never sure how the surface will react during first running and this literally was the first race on it," said Hembery. "If you look back to Austin the first year, it was very smooth, similar to this. But Austin has been used heavily in the last few years and has changed dramatically. Sochi is very similar but it hasn't been used a lot so remained a very slippery surface.

"Probably next year you would have the super-soft in Mexico if you're going to have three anyway. But the chances of doing a special one are unlikely."

Race winner Nico Rosberg believes the track will naturally gain grip as the surface develops. "It takes some time as the asphalt is new and it was one of the challenges we had," he said.

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas added: "Every lap it was improving, lap times were getting quicker. Maybe next year we'll have some more grip, which would be nice."

Originally on Autosport.com