Pirelli Investigates Tyre Failures at Qatar GP, Rules Out Mirror Debris

Pirelli has concluded that the tyre failures of Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during the Qatar GP were likely not caused by mirror debris, although ongoing investigations at their Milan facility continue to ascertain the true causes of the failures.

Pirelli has revised its assessment regarding the tyre failures experienced by Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during the Qatar Grand Prix, asserting that the incidents were likely not linked to debris from a mirror run over by Valtteri Bottas. Initially, the failures were thought to have been caused by fragments from the discarded mirror of Alex Albon’s car that littered the track after Bottas’s collision. However, subsequent investigations revealed that both drivers were already experiencing pressure loss before they encountered the debris. Pirelli’s chief engineer, Simone Berra, indicated that an extensive investigation is underway at their Milan facility, clarifying that early telemetry analysis revealed the punctures originated from locations other than where Bottas struck the mirror. Berra emphasized the importance of understanding the root cause to benefit both teams and Pirelli. Mercedes’s engineering director corroborated this conclusion, noting that data showed Hamilton’s tyre pressure began to decline prior to the incident with the mirror. As the investigation progresses, further tests on the returned Qatar tyres will be conducted to ascertain the exact reasons for the failures.

The Qatar Grand Prix witnessed unusual tyre failures affecting prominent drivers Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, leading to speculation about the cause linked to track debris. The situation intensified following an incident where Bottas reportedly ran over a discarded mirror from another car, which raised alarm regarding the possible impact of track conditions. Pirelli, the official tyre supplier for Formula 1, undertook a thorough investigation to analyze the failures and their potential connections to the events that transpired on the track, emphasizing the significance of understanding tyre performance under competitive conditions.

In summary, Pirelli aims to clarify the causes of the tyre failures experienced by Hamilton and Sainz, having dismissed the initial hypothesis regarding mirror debris. Early analytical findings from telemetry data suggest that both drivers faced tyre pressure loss independent of the debris situation. With ongoing investigations focused on establishing the precise factors leading to the incidents, teams are hopeful for a comprehensive understanding that will enhance future performance and safety.

Original Source: www.autosport.com