Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton slams multiple tyre failures at Silverstone unacceptable
Nico Rosberg won, but his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton took as many plaudits when he recovered from a massive tyre explosion to finish fourth in a thrilling British Grand Prix at Silverstone yesterday.
Lewis Hamilton
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In a race marred by four tyre failures and two Safety Car interventions, Hamilton lost the lead before fighting back from last place and then led the calls for urgent attention to this year’s controversial problems with the fast-failing low-durability Pirelli tyres.
“The safety is the biggest issue, it’s unacceptable...,” said the 28-year-old 2008 world champion.u00a0“We had that tyre test (in Spain in May) to improve the tyre and to have four blowouts is unacceptable. “It’s only when someone gets hurt that someone will be doing something about it.
Great Britain & Mercedes GP’s Lewis Hamilton has a left rear tyre failure during the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone. Pics/Getty Images
“I think it’s a waste of time talking to the FIA and if they don’t do anything that says a lot about them.”u00a0His former teammate Jenson Button of McLaren concurred: “There is nothing to be said — everyone can see what happened.”
Button, the 2009 world champion but who has never won his home race in 14 years, said that the tyres issue had to be sorted out. “We’ve had five tyres fail over the last few days, so it’s a big issue and something that needs to be sorted out.
McLaren’s Sergio Perez drives as his left rear tyre fails during the final practice session prior to qualifying session
It doesn’t change how you drive, but of course it’s on your mind. Happening at 300 kph, like for Checo (Perez), it’s not right. It’s not just dangerous for the driver in the car, it’s dangerous for all the other cars.
The cars behind get hit by rubber that has metal in it. It’s got to change. I don’t think anything needs to be said. We all know theu00a0situation.”u00a0
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa suffers a left rear puncture yesterday
A view of a tyre following the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit yesterday.
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