Pirelli Revises Qatar GP Tire Failure Analysis: Debris Not to Blame

Pirelli now asserts that the tire failures experienced by Hamilton and Sainz during the Qatar GP were not due to debris from a mirror, as initial theories suggested. Ongoing investigations are examining telemetry data and tire integrity, with early signs indicating that pressure loss occurred before any debris contact. Full results from Pirelli’s analysis are expected in the forthcoming weeks.

Pirelli, the official tire supplier for Formula 1, has revised its initial assessment regarding the tire failures experienced during the recent Qatar Grand Prix. Investigations determined that the punctures suffered by Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz were not a direct result of debris from a mirror that Valtteri Bottas ran over during the race. Both drivers encountered front left tire failures almost simultaneously, coinciding with the moment debris from Alex Albon’s mirror was scattered across the circuit. However, a review of telemetry data revealed that both Hamilton and Sainz experienced pressure loss prior to the occurrence of the debris incident.

Simone Berra, Chief Engineer at Pirelli, outlined that a thorough investigation is underway at their facility in Milan. While the examination of the returned tires has just commenced, it has already indicated that the punctures could have originated from other track elements or debris, not linked to the mirror debris. Pirelli is conducting comprehensive tests on the returned tires, including structural evaluations and fatigue examinations, with findings expected within two weeks.

Mercedes has echoed Pirelli’s revised perspective. Andrew Shovlin, the team’s trackside engineering director, highlighted that data shows Hamilton began losing tire pressure before Bottas interacted with the mirror, suggesting the punctures stemmed from causes that warrant further investigation. Amid these evaluations, it is noted that the challenging Losail circuit places significant demands on the front left tires, emphasizing the need for teams to maintain tire integrity under high-performance conditions.

The Qatar Grand Prix witnessed significant incidents involving tire failures affecting prominent drivers Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes and Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. Both experienced tire failures that puzzled teams and triggered preliminary investigations by Pirelli, sparking theories regarding potential external debris contributing to the failures. With attention on a mirror fragment run over by another competitor, early analyses now indicate that the true causes of these failures lie elsewhere. Pirelli’s commitment to understanding the situation is evident through their systematic review of tire performance data and telemetry, with results pending.

In conclusion, Pirelli has clarified that the recent tire failures in the Qatar Grand Prix are unlikely to have been caused by mirror debris, aligning with findings from the Mercedes team. Detailed investigations continue, focusing on alternative causes of the punctures that occurred under high-stress racing conditions. As one of the key tire suppliers in Formula 1, Pirelli’s analysis will be crucial for future races to ensure competitive integrity and driver safety.

Original Source: www.autosport.com