Pirelli have confirmed Sebastian Vettel’s tyre failure during the Austrian Grand Prix was caused by debris.
Vettel had been leading the race at the Red Bull Ring before his tyre failed forcing the German to retire and handing the race lead to Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg.
The Ferrari driver suffered a similar failure at the 2015 Belgian Grand Prix – which cost him a third-place finish to Romain Grosjean.
The Italian company have issued a statement confirming the tyre failure was as a result of debris.
“Analysis of the tyre issue that affected Sebastian Vettel at the recent Austrian Grand Prix has been concluded and the results shared with Ferrari,” said Pirelli.
“The few remaining parts of the tyre in question, together with an in-depth comparison to other tyres used in the race, reveal no signs of fatigue or structural failure in the right-rear tyre itself.
“Consequently, the issue appears to be caused by an item of debris, which led to the breakage of the tyre.”
