Formula 1 drivers have threatened to pull out of this weekend's German Grand Prix if there is a repeat of the tyre problems that plagued the British Grand Prix.

Four drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, saw their tyres blown out during the race at Silverstone last week and manufacturers Pirelli have been forced into drastic action to change to Kevlar-belted tyres this weekend at the Nurburgring.

A statement from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association said: "The drivers of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association wish to express their deepest concerns about the events that took place at Silverstone.

"We trust that the changes made to the tyres will have the desired results and that similar problems will not occur during the German GP weekend.

"We are ready to drive our cars to the limit, as we always do, and as it is expected by our teams, sponsors and fans.

"However, the drivers have decided that, if similar problems should manifest themselves during the German GP, we shall immediately withdraw from the event, as this avoidable problem with the tyres endangers again the lives of drivers, marshals and fans."

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg was victorious in the race at Silverstone last week.