Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, Baku City Circuit, 2018

Vettel explains “disaster tyres” radio comment

2018 Canadian Grand Prix

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Sebastian Vettel explains his radio message complaining about “gomme disastro”, meaning “disaster tyres”, at the end of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver said Monaco “was a lot worse than the races before” in terms of how carefully drivers had to treat their tyres.

“It’s just a shame because I think if you also compare to last year, at Monaco you always have a little bit of pace management because you can’t overtake so the guy in front can set the pace. But this year was extreme because the tyres, you couldn’t push.

“So I think that’s what we meant after the race. And you could see also during the race. I think it’s a no-brainer to compare to last year and see a big difference whereas if you take the other races it’s not been that big. In that regards it’s a one-off.

“But overall I think the tyres this year are a bit more vulnerable than last year.”

Pirelli has brought the same tyre selection to this weekend’s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Vettel said he will wait to see how they perform compared to the last race.

“Obviously it’s a different track, different nature. Usually here it can vary a bit more which tyre is the limitation. We will see.

“I think Friday will be important. I think weather-wise it should be fine, at least consistent. And then we’ll see how much we can read.”

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4 comments on “Vettel explains “disaster tyres” radio comment”

  1. Open Question: If the tires were THAT bad why did nobody throw a flier, give up the track position and go on the attack? It would have to have worked out- a 2-3s lap pace advantage seemed enough to make some passes based on Max’s progress from the back…

  2. Why did he need to explain this? Everyone who saw that race should have understood those tyres were an incredibly poor choice for that race.

    If not that, then the drivers complaining afterwards that the tyres were an incredibly poor choice for that race should have been enough.

    At least Mercedes tried a different strategy, but it clearly wasn’t possible.

    1. pastaman (@)
      8th June 2018, 4:09

      Because he was asked?

  3. TBH I have never been a fan of Pirelli’s F1 tyres. Their approach of fast degrading tyres has always been questionable but- in Pirelli’s defense they are only doing what they are being asked to do by the FIA. Last year the tyres were rock hard and I didn’t think the racing was too bad. In 2010 Bridgestones could last all race and we had an exciting championship too.

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