Pirelli reveals cause of Azerbaijan GP F1 tyre blowouts

Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen suffered high-speed tyre blowouts having run on Pirelli’s C3 tyre for over 30 laps in Baku.

F1’s official supplier suggested after the race that the cause of the tyre failures was due to debris because it found cuts on Lewis Hamilton’s set of C3 tyres.

Following its investigation, Pirelli concluded that wasn’t the case and that there was “no production or quality defect on any of the tyres, nor was there any sign of fatigue or delamination.”

As a consequence, a new technical directive has been put in place for the next race at Paul Ricard with revised operating parameters.

A statement from Pirelli read: “There was no production or quality defect on any of the tyres; nor was there any sign of fatigue or delamination. The causes of the two left-rear tyre failures on the Aston Martin and Red Bull cars have been clearly identified. In each case, this was down to a circumferential break on the inner sidewall, which can be related to the running conditions of the tyre, in spite of the prescribed starting parameters (minimum pressure and maximum blanket temperature) having been followed.

“As a result of this analysis, Pirelli have submitted their report to the FIA and the teams. The FIA and Pirelli have agreed a new set of the protocols, including an upgraded technical directive already distributed, for monitoring operating conditions during a race weekend and they will consider any other appropriate actions.”

Shortly after Pirelli’s statement, Red Bull released a statement of its own, stating “no car fault was found”.

“We have worked closely with Pirelli and the FIA during their investigation into Max’s tyre failure on lap 47 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and can confirm that no car fault was found.

“We adhered to Pirelli’s tyre parameters at all times and will continue to follow their guidance.

“We are grateful that following the weekend’s high speed impacts no drivers were injured.”