Pirelli identify failure with Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll Baku blowouts

Verstappen, Red Bull, Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

Pirelli

Pirelli identify failure with Verstappen and Stroll Baku blowouts

The incident in Azerbaijan cost Verstappen victory

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 15 June 2021 20:27 Updated: 20:36

Pirelli has identified the failure of its tyres that led to blowouts during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix involving Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.

Both drivers suffered issues with the left-rear tyres leading to a spectacular crash for Stroll on lap 30, while the incident involving Verstappen five laps from the finish robbed him of victory.

Following a lengthy investigation, Pirelli has confirmed that in conjunction with the FIA it has completed the analysis of the rubber involved in the incidents.

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A statement read: "This analysis also took in the tyres used by other cars in the race, which had the same or a higher number of laps on them compared to the ones that were damaged.

"The process established that 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 the investigation, "the FIA and Pirelli have agreed a new set of the protocols, including an upgraded technical directive... for monitoring operating conditions during a race weekend and they will consider any other appropriate actions."

For this weekend's French GP, new tyre pressure and blanket temperature protocols will be provided by Pirelli.

Whilst Pirelli's statement offers a conclusion of a fashion, there is a suggestion that the tyres run too close to the limit at certain tracks.

Via its own statement, Red Bull make clear it adhered to the pre-administered guidelines.

It read: "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."