Rosberg wins amid tire safety debate

Mercedes Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, England, on Sunday. [Darren Staples / Reuters]

Vettel fails to finish; home victory eludes local hope Hamilton

Nico Rosberg won, but his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton took as many plaudits when he recovered from a massive tire explosion to finish fourth in a thrilling British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

However, Rosberg's joy was later put on ice as he was called before the race stewards to explain why he didn't slow down for the yellow flags between bends three and five over an hour into the race.

He emerged smiling after escaping with a reprimand as the stewards could have stripped him of the victory.

In a race marred by four tire failures and two safety car interventions, Hamilton lost the lead before fighting back from last place and then led the calls for urgent attention to this year's controversial problems with the fast-failing low-durability Pirelli tires.

"The safety is the biggest issue, it's unacceptable ..., " said the 28-year-old 2008 world champion.

"We had that tire test (in Spain in May) to improve the tire and to have four blowouts is unacceptable.

"It's only when someone gets hurt that someone will be doing something about it.

"I think it's a waste of time talking to the FIA (International Motoring Federation), and if they don't do anything that says a lot about them."

His former teammate Jenson Button of McLaren concurred: "There is nothing to be said - everyone can see what happened."

Button, the 2009 world champion but who has never won his home race in 14 years, said that the tire issue had to be sorted out.

"We've had five tires fail over the last few days, so it's a big issue and something that needs to be sorted out.

"It doesn't change how you drive, but of course it's on your mind. Happening at 300 kph, like for Checo (Perez), it's not right. It's not just dangerous for the driver in the car, it's dangerous for all the other cars.

"The cars behind get hit by rubber that has metal in it. It's got to change. I don't think anything needs to be said. We all know the situation."