In the build-up to the race Fernando Alonso had hit out at the tyres, which have been the focus of criticism from drivers several times in the season for being too fragile.

The front-right tyre on the McLaren of Perez exploded yesterday, with Webber picking up a puncture from the debris. Asked if it had been dangerous, Perez said: “Very. At the end of the day nothing happened (nobody was hurt)... but one day something will happen.”

A clearly unhappy Webber was quoted as saying by Autosport.com: “That is how it is. The drivers aren’t super-important — it is what other people want.”

While he did not elaborate, it is understood that Pirelli was required by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to produce tyres that demand different strategies to make races more entertaining.

“The tyres are wearing a lot and they also explode a bit — but that is for Pirelli to sort out,” added Webber.u00a0