Pirelli threatens not to supply tires to Lotus F1
As part of the first free practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Lotus team had to wait before taking to the track for Pirelli to supply them with tires. The Italian manufacturer indeed blocked the team, which owes them a significant amount of money for the supply of tires.
The first free practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix led to a rather comical situation within the Lotus garage. The team only received its tires an hour before the two cars of Pastor Maldonado and Jolyon Palmer took to the track. In fact, the latter could only complete three short installation laps on the Hungaroring…
Pirelli has decided to take a tough approach to receive payment for a debt owed by Lotus concerning the allocation of tires. However, a spokesperson for the Italian company reassured everyone by explaining that the problem has been resolved.
Lotus’s financial difficulties are becoming increasingly visible, and the team’s creditors seem to be losing patience with the repayment deadlines. Although Federico Gastaldi and Lotus have settled their dispute with Pirelli for this weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising if further developments occur in the coming weeks.
Pastor Maldonado ranked 17th in this first session, over 3 seconds off Lewis Hamilton’s best time.
