Overview of the Pirelli case: Bernie Ecclestone personally calms the controversy

The recap of the facts:

The high-speed blowout experienced by Nico Rosberg during Free Practice in Belgium raised initial concerns about the quality of the tires supplied by Pirelli for Grand Prix weekends. Two days later, another blowout, this time involving Sebastian Vettel at the exit of the Raidillon de l’Eau Rouge, sparked a major debate that fueled discussions in the two weeks between Spa and Monza. Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel both put pressure on Pirelli with very harsh words, particularly from the four-time World Champion.

The defense of Pirelli:

Since then, the amplification of this case has led the manufacturer to lay things out clearly.

Pirelli thus conducted a thorough analysis of its tires used during the Belgian Grand Prix. A very comprehensive report demonstrated that no structural problems were found on the various tires.

He particularly notes the following observation:

« The events at Spa can be attributed to external factors, associated with prolonged use of tires on one of the most demanding tracks of the Championship. »

The same report noted a total of 63 external cuts on the surface of all the tires used during the Spa weekend, compared to an average of 1.2 cuts in the last 15 Formula 1 events (Grand Prix and Test). These external cuts were reportedly caused by an abnormal amount of small debris on the track, such as loose carbon pieces that cut the tires to the point of puncture.

The search for new solutions:

Pirelli actually mainly called on the FIA to consider new possibilities. One of these would be more intense track cleaning to remove debris of all sizes. To demonstrate its good faith, Pirelli also proposed a new set of specifications for the teams, with new tire pressures, now set at 23 PSI at the front and 22 PSI at the rear. In practice, these pressures were adjusted to 21 PSI at the front and 19.5 PSI at the rear during the first practice session yesterday morning at Monza. (and not 5 PSI as previously mistakenly indicated)

A positive feedback from the pilots :

After the concerns at Spa, calm has gradually returned among the drivers, especially for the main party involved, Sebastian Vettel, who welcomed these ideas with pleasure.

It’s obvious that everyone is trying their best to solve the problem, he declared on the sidelines of the Italian Grand Prix. We had difficulties of this kind a few years ago (editor’s note: in 2013, after the British GP) and immediate changes took place, which allowed us to avoid further issues. As a result, this can be seen as a professional approach from Pirelli aimed at the most effective solution.

Nico Rosberg is also very optimistic about the evolution of the situation: “I am confident about what has been done here, I am sure we will be able to continue driving safely.”

Same sentiment from the Formula 1 leadership. Formula One Management openly defended Pirelli in a statement, declaring that “Pirelli has been a top-choice partner of Formula 1 for five seasons, and we continue to place our trust in the safety and quality of the tires provided.”

Summit meeting today in Monza:

This position was reinforced today in the Italian paddock. Bernie Ecclestone himself chaired a meeting bringing together team chiefs and 4 drivers, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso, all personally invited by the Formula 1’s major financial backer. The goal was to find an innovative solution with Pirelli without creating any controversy as has been the case for the past 2 weeks.

**The (carefully thought out?) lobbying of Bernie Ecclestone:**

In fact, the interest of this meeting goes beyond the simple context of the controversy arising from the Spa punctures.

Bernie Ecclestone knows very well that a tire tender for the 2017-2019 period will be launched soon. It is therefore important to respect Pirelli’s work to avoid driving away the Italian manufacturer in advance, which could be detrimental to the interests of Formula 1. Especially since candidates are not exactly lining up at the door for the moment…

The director of FOM states in this regard that Pirelli should not be let go, as they have been doing a very good job with what they are asked to do.

Thus, even if the controversy fades away this weekend in Monza, we are not done discussing the never-ending debate on the quality of a good Formula 1 tire.