Qatar GP: Nico Rosberg drops Bombshell, claims Pirelli warned Formula 1 six months ago

The Qatar GP Race Weekend was a weekend where Max Verstappen became a 3-time Formula 1 Champion. It was a weekend where Oscar Piastri won his first race in Formula 1, albeit a sprint race, for McLaren. Yet, everyone will remember the entire weekend for the farcical tyre issues all the teams faced. Pirelli and the FIA had to step in and impose a maximum tyre life on their tyres due to safety concerns. Nico Rosberg has recently come out with a huge claim.

Pirelli Warned Formula 1

Many drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, stated their displeasure at the lack of preparation by Formula 1 and the FIA. However, it turns out that they are more to blame than people initially thought for the Qatar GP debacle.

According to Nico Rosberg, Pirelli had seen the Qatar GP track layout and raised some concerns to Formula 1. However, apparently, they didn’t listen.

Nico Rosberg said, “I actually heard that Pirelli did warn the sport six months ago. They could see an issue. The sport didn’t listen. That was my latest information, actually.”

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Tyre Issues at the Qatar GP

Formula 1 faced a lot of tyre issues at the Qatar GP. Here’s what the FIA and Pirelli had to say.

“A separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords on many of tyres that were checked was discovered.”

“It is the view of the FIA and Pirelli that a significant number of additional laps on these tyres could result in circumferential damage of the tyres with subsequent air loss.”

And this is why a soft tyre will not be able to do a full stint during todays race 🤣

📸 [via: @karunchandhok]#F1 #Formula1 #McLaren #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/h1OSV5uB3h

— McLaren F1 Zone 🟠 (@TheMcLarenZone) October 8, 2023

Multiple Stops

To avoid these safety concerns at the Qatar GP, the FIA and Pirelli released a statement.

It said, “It has been decided by the FIA and Pirelli and after consultation with the teams on safety grounds, the following measures will be implemented for today’s Qatar Grand Prix: a mandatory limit of 18 laps of total tyre life per set will be imposed; the life of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.”

Also Read: More trouble on Qatar GP! Pirelli FIA imposes 18-lap limit on tyre life

This meant that most Formula 1 teams and drivers had to do a 3-stop race at the Qatar GP. Some even opted for a 4-stop race.