Several drivers have expressed concern about the tyre situation in Belgium after both Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel suffered right-rear punctures.
Five drivers in particular – Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso – have approached FIA race director Charlie Whiting demanding assurances that tyres are safe and will survive the heavy demands presented by the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
A senior figure at one team described the situation as a “big concern”, especially following similar problems during the British GP which almost resulted in it being red flagged and the drivers threatening a boycott of the next race.
Pirelli’s Paul Hembery however believes that debris caused Alonso’s puncture, whilst Vettel’s was caused by something getting stuck in the small gap between the tyre and floor.
“Towards the end of the afternoon session, both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso had a puncture on their right-rear tyre around turn 14 and we are currently investigating the cause,” he said.
“From initial analysis it appears that both were caused by an outside factor, probably debris on the track.”
