F1: Hamilton given replacement tire for GP

Lewis Hamilton will be given another super-soft Formula 1 tire with the same mileage to the one he damaged in European Grand Prix qualifying for Sunday's race.

The reigning world champion locked up heavily on his fastest lap in Q2, flat-spotting one tire, in what was a scruffy one-hour session where he locked up several times and damaged all of his sets of super-softs.

As per article 34.4g in the sporting regulations, drivers must start the race on the tires with which they set their fastest time during Q2. But any such tires damaged during Q2 will be inspected by the FIA technical delegate who will decide "at his absolute discretion" whether any may be replaced.

Following an inspection of the tire, it has been decided to give Hamilton a replacement with Pirelli saying it has been given approval by the FIA to do so. The tire will be one that has mileage as close as possible to that he damaged in Q2.

Speaking on Saturday, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: "The tire has a flat-spot and as per the regulations you can change the tire if it is a safety issue so probably that's going to happen.

"I guess it was just a bad day for Lewis. If you're not in your rhythm on a street circuit like this, you're making mistakes.

"He was blindingly fast in the first sector, in a league of his own, but just couldn't hook the sectors together."

When asked if Hamilton should have not pushed so hard and ensured second, given the gap to the team's rivals, Wolff said: "That's not the way he's calibrated. It's very difficult to get in your car and try to drive a defensive lap if you know that your car is the benchmark and your main enemy is your teammate. To get that balance right is very difficult."

Originally on Autosport.com