Belgian F1 GP: Sebastian Vettel's tyre strategy not crazy

Vettel changed from softs to mediums on lap 14 of the 43-lap race and was trying to run to the finish when his right rear tyre gave way on the Kemmel Straight on the penultimate lap.

Although Vettel was the only driver to try a one-stop tactic in a race Pirelli had suggested would require two tyre changes, Arrivabene said the decision was based on solid data that the tyres would last.

"The strategy was absolutely right," he said.

"I want to clear that up immediately, because when we do the strategy we have the data, and the data is based on the strategy.

"Seb is of course disappointed. When you have one and a half laps and you can see the third position on the podium and you are going to lose it suddenly of course you are disappointed.

"But I tell you the strategy normally, even if aggressive, is based on clear data.

"We are not so stupid or crazy to take a risk for the driver if you are not reading quite well the data."

Arrivabene said Ferrari had gone into the race planning one stop for Vettel rather than adopting the strategy as the grand prix unfolded.

"It was our main plan before the race. We decided that at 11 o'clock this morning," he said.

He insisted there was no warning from Pirelli during the race of any potential problem.

"All the teams have an engineer from Pirelli, and what do you think that engineer is doing?" Arrivabene said.

"He's not there to chew chewing gum, he's there to check the tyres and to read the data from the team."

Although Vettel was vociferous in his criticism of Pirelli after the race, Arrivabene said he preferred not to comment on the tyre manufacturer's products.

"I don't want to open any kind of fight. I don't want to start a story going back and forwards," he said.