The drivers maintain their threat of a boycott in Germany
The GPDA has reiterated its threat to boycott the German Grand Prix if incidents similar to those at Silverstone were to occur again. The drivers' association also highlighted Pirelli's decision to bring new tires for this weekend.
Despite Pirelli’s quick response to the problems encountered at Silverstone, concerns about the tires have not yet been completely dispelled, and the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) has indicated that drivers would boycott the Grand Prix if incidents similar to those of last weekend were to occur.
The GPDA drivers wish to express their concern regarding the events that took place at Silverstone. We believe the changes made to the tires will have the desired effects and that there will therefore be no more problems during this German Grand Prix weekend. We are ready to drive our cars to the limit, as we always do, as expected by our fans, our teams, and our sponsors. However, the drivers have decided that if similar problems arise during the weekend, we will immediately withdraw from the event, stated the drivers’ association in a press release.
However, there is little chance of such a scenario occurring. The drivers all appeared optimistic and satisfied with Pirelli’s decision during the various press briefings yesterday, and the first free practice session, led by Mercedes, went off without incident.
Moreover, the FIA has informed the teams that strict tire pressure regulations will be imposed for this weekend to further reduce the risk of incidents. This decision is explained by the fact that Pirelli believes this specific point is one of the causes of the explosions that occurred last week at Silverstone.
Another explanation mentioned by the Italian tire manufacturer is the fact that some teams swapped the left and right tires. “I must say that last weekend was our fault. We allowed the teams to swap the tires when we shouldn’t have. With cars going faster this year, it creates different loads on the tires. By swapping the tires, you create a weak point,” explains Paul Hembery to our colleagues from Autosport.
The FIA has therefore decided to prohibit teams from making this type of change, and the tires must be mounted on the side for which they were designed.
From our special correspondent at the Nürburgring
