Pirelli Investigates Tyre Failures During Qatar GP, Debunking Mirror Debris Theory
Pirelli has concluded that the tyre failures experienced by Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during the Qatar Grand Prix were not caused by mirror debris from a damaged mirror run over by Valtteri Bottas. Initial telemetry data indicated that both drivers had pressure losses prior to the debris incident, leading Pirelli to investigate other possible causes. Detailed analysis and testing are ongoing, with conclusions expected in two weeks.
Pirelli has now determined that the tyre failures experienced by Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz during the Qatar Grand Prix were not attributable to debris from a mirror, which had been run over by Valtteri Bottas. Initially, there were concerns that the concurrent punctures of both drivers, which occurred just after Bottas’s incident, were linked to this debris. However, subsequent telemetry analysis indicated that both drivers were already experiencing pressure losses prior to encountering the debris. Pirelli’s chief engineer, Simone Berra, confirmed that investigations have started in Milan to identify the precise causes of these tyre failures, stating that the issues likely arose from alternative debris or factors elsewhere on the circuit.
The analysis has thus far revealed that the pressure loss for both Hamilton and Sainz was evident even before the mirror was struck, implying that the failures originated from different locations on the track. The investigation will include detailed checks of the returned tyres, examining factors such as sidewall integrity and fatigue resistance. Pirelli expects to have a complete assessment ready within two weeks. This conclusion aligns with Mercedes’ own assessment, as their data showed Hamilton’s pressure loss before the debris was hit, suggesting it is improbable that the failures were caused directly by the mirror fragments. The physical demands on the front left tyre at the Losail circuit increased the likelihood of such failures, particularly as teams optimized tyre wear during the event.
The Qatar Grand Prix witnessed significant drama when both Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari suffered front-left tyre failures within moments of each other. Initial analysis blamed debris from a mirror damaged by Valtteri Bottas, leading to concerns about the safety and reliability of Pirelli tyres under race conditions. In the wake of these failures, Pirelli’s investigation began to dissect the causes, focusing on telemetry data and the condition of the damaged tyres. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in Formula 1 regarding tyre durability and track conditions, necessitating robust analysis and stringent safety measures.
In conclusion, the investigation into the tyre failures during the Qatar Grand Prix indicates a departure from the initial hypothesis attributing these issues to mirror debris. Telemetry data shows that pressure losses occurred before the involvement of the debris, steering the investigation towards other potential causes. Pirelli’s commitment to thorough testing will illuminate the underlying factors contributing to these failures. As the analysis continues, understanding the interactions between circuit conditions and tyre performance remains paramount in enhancing safety standards in Formula 1.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
