The F1 tyre supplier introduced harder compounds in 2014, after F1 switched from normally-aspirated V8 engines to turbocharged V6 hybrids, and beefed up the rear construction in anticipation of improved car performance this year.

Lotus driver Grosjean says the current iterations of rubber have largely eliminated the need for tyre management on some tracks, which he argues reduces opportunities for overtaking and means drivers can make less of a difference to the outcome of races with their individual styles.

“It’s very different from two or three years ago where your driving style could influence the way you degrade your tyres, right now it doesn’t change much,” Grosjean said.

“I did prefer it when we had to think about it and when we could change the way it was degrading.

“That means if you took it a little bit slowly at the beginning of the race then you had an advantage over some of the other people, and you could try to go for an overtaking manoeuvre.

“I believe it creates overtaking chances, because there’s a grip level and if the guy in front of you has a big snap it gives you an advantage.

“Right now if the guy in front of you has a snap you usually have the same one so you don’t get the advantage anymore.

“Everyone is always on the limit of them [the tyres] and when you follow another car you don’t really get that advantage anymore.”