Belgian GP: Pirelli responds to Vettel

Pirelli has once again disclaimed any liability regarding the bursting of the right rear tire Sebastian Vettel at the Belgian GP which occurred two laps from the finish, while the driver of the Team Ferrari was in a position to secure the podium. The discipline's supplier believes that the four-time world champion made too bold a bet by attempting a one-stop race.

“His tires were at the end of their life. There will always be a problem if the rubbers are at the end of their travel, it doesn’t matter which ones”, retorted Paul Hembery, the sporting director of Pirelli to the accusatory comments of Sebastian Vettel. “He did 28 laps in his second stint. We were looking at a two or three stop strategy, which most drivers did, but (Scuderia Ferrari) clearly thought they could only stop once. Estimated life was 40 rounds, but this is only an indication and the racing conditions may change the situation. »

Pirelli is still in a delicate situation sincea similar incident has already occurred during testing on Nico Rosberg's Mercedes. “Rosberg had an external cut, but the footage shows that (Sebastian Vettel’s) tire casing is still intact.”, insisted Paul Hembery. “If the race had one lap less, he would have been on the podium and his strategy would have been applauded. The margin is sometimes small and it is all the harder. »

Discover the analysis of the Belgian GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2026 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.