While such an aspect ratio looks fantastic on a '69 Trans Am Mustang, in my opinion if viewed critically they look a little out of place on the chiselled lines of a modern F1 car. Like an afterthought tacked on due to the demands of the regulations.
There are many issues:
- Junior categories use similar tyres, however in my opinion this is only for the reason of being the same as F1.
- Michelin indicated a preference for 18" in their submissions.
- You'd guess that other tyre suppliers would probably prefer to supply lower profile tyres too.
- Engineering issues such as slow tyre warm up and side wall flexing issues could be apparently be solved with a lower profile tyre.
- The larger wheels would be heavier.
- Some observers think lower profile tyres would look better.
- However the history and tradition of using 13" is strongly in favour of the smaller size. For example, an emotive link is made between Ayrton Senna's blue and white Williams Renault or black and gold Lotus Renault and Bruno Senna's blue and white Williams Renault or black and gold Lotus-sponsored Renault. The balloon like tyres are in a sense a trademark of F1 competition, just as the tough disposable steel rims and similarly profiled tyres are for NASCAR.
Links
http://www.f1fanatic...e-sense-for-f1/
http://news.drive.co...0202-1qttv.html