F1 drivers want tyre safety guarantees after Belgian GP failures
Formula 1 drivers want guarantees about the safety of Pirelli's tyres at the Belgian Grand Prix in the wake of the failures that hit Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso on Friday
Amid concerns about the dangers of potential tyre failures at the high-speed Spa Francorchamps circuit, F1's leading drivers have asked the FIA to get assurances from Pirelli about the safety of its products.
Although Pirelli is adamant that the problems that Vettel and Alonso suffered were caused by debris puncturing their right rears, drivers and team figures are not so convinced that is the full explanation.
During Friday evening's drivers' briefing at Spa, F1 race director Charlie Whiting was asked to look in detail at the Pirelli matter and get the Italian company to guarantee that there is no structural issue with the tyres.
Just two races after the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) threatened to withdraw from the German GP if there were tyre problems, the drivers remain concerned about the possibility of a repeat of what happened at Silverstone.
A spate of tyre blow-outs marred the British Grand Prix and forced Pirelli to revert to last year's construction to prevent repeat problems.
One leading driver said that there was serious concern from the drivers about the situation, but made it clear they are prepared to leave the matter to Whiting's jurisdiction.
"We've left it in Charlie's hands," said the drivers. "We have to trust him."
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery admitted on Friday that the fact there had been failures on Friday at Spa had been a concern.
"It is a worry for the sport because we have to go out and find what it is," he said.
"There is not a lot we can do, but we will try our very best to identify it to give us an indication of what is causing it."
Pirelli plans to conduct a detailed examination of the Spa track to try to get to the bottom of exactly what punctured Vettel and Alonso's tyres.
Red Bull's Mark Webber said that drivers wanted clarity from Pirelli about the situation, as they were not satisfied with the response they had got so far.
"We need answers and 'debris' is not the answer," he said.
Whiting met with Hembery and Pirelli racing manager Mario Isola to inspect both the tyres and the failures.
Whiting plans to conduct a detailed investigation tonight.
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism
What’s behind Lando Norris’ top-speed problem in Baku – and why McLaren itself is down on Mercedes
Verstappen reveals why Red Bull's engine problem in Baku was different than it seemed
How Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
Hamilton frustrated after late Ferrari qualifying strategy change: ‘I towed Charles the whole time’
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments