Tyre-warming blankets were originally meant to be banned from next season onwards, until the rules were later amended so that they will remain – but with the option for the FIA to re-impose the ban after a final decision is made by the end of July.
Mercedes driver Russell was one of four drivers to take part in a crucial Pirelli test at Barcelona in the week following the Spanish GP, along with Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
The significance of the test was that there is just one more session of 2024 blanket-free testing, at Silverstone with Red Bull and Haas among those participating, just before the final call is made.
Although the Barcelona test reportedly went well, and blanket-free tyres have made a lot of progress since they were first tested, Russell suggested that they were flattered by the high temperatures and track characteristics in Spain.
“In hindsight, it probably wasn’t tested in the right conditions at the right circuit,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com if he thin …