Pirelli, Michelin, Goodyear and others are more than capable of making a tire that can more than likely go race distance, or cut stops down to a single tire change. Everything you see in regard to tire degradation can be attributed to the F1 powers that be, in their attempt to make racing more "interesting".
The current rules are stifling. Arbitrary tire rules, silly engine rules/changes, KERS, the list goes on. I would love a return to a simpler time, and a much thinner rule book. 3L NA any piston config, 1.2L turbo (unlimited), no component life rules, all powertrain manufacturers must be able to supply required engines (identical spec) to at least 3 other teams for a fixed cost as mandated by F1 (that's my concession to the rule makers) and an effort to contain powertrain costs. No team would be supplied by special tires (a la Ferrari years ago). All qualifying/race tires come from a common supply. There are holes in the above, but at least it lets the creative be MORE creative.
Congrats to Vettel and Red Bull. Conrats to Adrian Newey.
