George Russell has issued an unusual complaint that the tyres at times feel like "big balloons", with it being caused by a "strange rule".
Tyre pressures have been a key concern throughout the 2026 season so far, with a rule having been introduced following the arrival of Straight Mode (SM).
Under the current regulations, SM sees the front and rear wings open on designated straights to put the car into a low-downforce configuration, increasing top speed. They then slam shut under braking, returning the car to corner mode.
However, because of SM, the regulations require all teams to run tyre pressures two to three psi above the minimum outlined by Pirelli.
This is because, should SM fail and not open, remaining in corner mode along the straights increases the stress placed on Pirelli's tyres. To avoid tyre failures, tyre pressures must therefore be set two to three psi higher than the baseline.
According to Russell, this makes the tyres feel very unusual, and he believes that, if it can be fixed, it will lead to better racing and help the current cars take another step in the right direction.
Asked if the cars have become more enjoyable to drive since pre-season testing, Russell explained: "I think the evolution with the regulation change from Japan onwards has been very good.
"The cars do feel much nicer to drive. I think the one issue that all of the drivers are complaining about are the tyre pressures. But from what we hear and understand, Pirelli are trying to make improvements there.
"You know, there’s a strange rule that they have to take into consideration. If a team’s SM fails and then there’s much more downforce on the car, then they need to take compensation by two or three psi for this.
"But for all of us, it’s like you have big balloons you’re driving on. And if they could make that step, I think it would be much better for the drivers, much better for racing, less overheating. We could fight even closer. I think that would be the next big step."
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