Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is against Michelin's plans to introduce 18-inch rims and more durable tyres in Formula One.
Michelin and current tyre supplier Pirelli are both in the running to be F1's sole supplier from 2017 to 2019 and are due to start commercial negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone before a final decision is confirmed by the FIA. Michelin's bid is dependent on being allowed to supply tyres on its own terms, but Horner doubts its plans would add anything to F1.
"An 18 inch rim and a one stop is going to do nothing for the spectacle of a grand prix," he said. "I think actually we need to be looking at doing the opposite: getting two- to three-stop races, controlled degradation, maybe more choice for the teams in terms of the tyres that they can take to grands prix, all the things that we have been talking about [with Pirelli]."
Horner fully supports Pirelli, which he believes has been a strong partner for the sport since its return in 2011.
"I think Pirelli have done a good job since they've been involved in the sport, they've been supportive of Formula One through hard times as well as the good times. And hopefully with the cars that are coming for 2017, that are going to be quite a bit different, quite a bit quicker, with tyres that are significantly different to what we have now as well, then that represents a great challenge and hopefully Pirelli will be successful with that."