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Vettel’s Performance Proof We didn’t Cheat: Aston Martin F1 Boss Fires Back at Critics

Aston Martin Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer came out to defend his team from critics. Recently the team was accused of manipulating the Pirelli tires in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Szafnauer stated that the team’s performance at the French Grand Prix was the proof needed to silence the critics.

Several reports and critics have mentioned that Aston Martin had tricked the tire pressures on Lance Stroll’s car at Baku. Pirelli’s explanation of Baku’s tire failure also hinted that teams may have tricked the tire pressures which caused the blowout.

Otmar mentioned, “We drove long stints. I hope that will silence the critics who say that we have done something dishonest with the tires. We haven’t, we never have and we never will,” said Otmar.

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We know exactly what to do and we have proven it again: Szafnauer

According to Motorsport-total.com, Pirelli had increased the tire pressure for the French Grand Prix. Many had predicted that the increased tire pressures would affect several teams, including Red Bull and Aston Martin, hard as it was reported that they cheated in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Aston Martin F1 driver Sebastian Vettel
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 18, 2021, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during practice REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

We know exactly what to do and we have proven it again. There is a new technical guideline with higher tire pressures,” said Otmar.

“We stuck to all of that and still did a very good job with the tires. Maybe you should take a closer look at some of our competitors who were more likely to reverse than we did,” said Szafnauer.

Read more: Do F1 Cars have a Clutch?

Germany's Sebastian Vettel on the podium
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 6, 2021, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel wears a hat on top of his cap as he celebrates on the podium after finishing in second place Pool via REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

We had to work hard for it: Szafnauer on French GP results

Aston Martin successfully executed their strategies as both their drivers finished in the Top-10, after starting from outside the points. The performances and tire management of both drivers satisfied Szafnauer.

He mentioned, Lance finished in the points with a wonderful run of 19 and Seb came in 9th with real pace, good strategy, and brilliant overtaking maneuvers.

“We didn’t benefit from the fact that others were eliminated before us, we had to work hard for it. In the end, it was a great race for both drivers,” said Otmar.

What do you think? Can Aston Martin continue their form for the whole season? Comment below to let us know.

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