2013 German Grand Prix team radio transcript

2013 German Grand Prix

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A tense strategic battle played out between Red Bull and Lotus during the German Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel spent much of the race under pressure from one of the black-and-gold cars as Lotus tried to manouevre their drivers into a position where they good get past.

He wasn’t helped by a mid-race KERS problem which fortunately cleared up later on. Raikkonen’s efforts to get on terms with the championship leader were dogged by radio problems.

Here’s the broadcast radio chatter from the German Grand Prix in full, including over 300 messages.

2013 German Grand Prix team radio transcript

Lap*FromToMessage
PRJenson ButtonDave RobsonWith the temperature rising, Button discusses increasing his front wing level.
That should be a turn or so anyway shouldn’t it?
PRDave RobsonJenson ButtonAbsolutely. So I think we’re about right. Possibly slightly on the high side, half a turn maybe, but I think we’re porbably about right.
PRSimon RennieMark WebberJust a reminder from Gav: When we get running we’re currently C-thumbwheel-two. If you want more diff at high speed, C-thumbwheel-one, if you want more support from the diff in the high speed, OK? Just after your comments about it being a bit twitchy in the turn 11. We will do a start to grid, it will be torque one and it will be clutch one for the start. And we’ll do pit limiter on.
PRJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasBottas is reminded to ensure his seamless shift works properly.
So as discussed try to learn the dogs as early as possible and then just cool the car as much as possible after that.
PRBrad JoyceAdrian SutilSutil, who is starting on soft tyres, is told which of the drivers in front of him are using the medium compound. Button ahead is also on mediums.
Medium start tyres are Alonso, Massa, Hulkenberg, Rosberg.
PRDave RobsonJenson ButtonJenson the only [medium] runners behind us are Hulkenberg and Rosberg and both the Williams. All others are on [softs].
PRTony RossNico RosbergPerez and di Resta behind you are on [soft], Hulkenberg, Button in front are on [medium].
FLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonRS modes cancel. A reminder of engine cooling wherever you can, so high speed, high gear. And working the tyres front and rear and working the brakes as well. Rear brakes are cold at the moment.
FLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re going to boost to 40 around this lap where you can. We’re going to do two burn-outs out of turn seven.
FLSimon RennieMark WebberAll gears are good.
FLSimon RennieMark WebberWebber made a poor start in the previous race at Silverstone but got away well at the Nurburgring.
At the start if you get wheel slip hold the throttle.
FLGuillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelWe need a good job on engine to turn 11. All other systems are good. Remember no part-throttle.
FLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWeaving and engine cooling where you can. And remember to back up the grid, they will string out again so back up where you can. Bite point seven.
FLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBrakes are hot enough now, easy into 13. Get your brake balance set for turn one. Harvest mode four.
FLMark SladeKimi RaikkonenRemember to pull the clutch in and slow down to your position in first, gear please.
FLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re going to do a bite point check, RS modes and steering straight. Remember your brake balance for the first corner. Bite point eight.
1Simon RennieMark WebberTorque three.
1Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRed switch down when you can.
1Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergPedal seven or eight, special one off.
2Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoWe need water position two.
2Andrea StellaFernando AlonsoAlonso receives a message in Italian.
Behind you is Perez on [soft]
2Charles PicTim WrightPic locked his tyres up at turn one at the start.
I’ve got a big vibration in the front-right.
2Tim WrightCharles PicUnderstood Charles we are looking into it. Do you think you have a flat-spot?
3Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoWe need you to look after the tyres from now.
3Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelDRS enabled.
3Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasLook after the tyres. All those around are on a different strategy.
3Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuOne turn less front wing.
3Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanCopy that, one turn down for the next stop.
3Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaHow are the tyres please Paul?
3Paul di RestaGianpiero LambiaseNot bad.
4Mark TempleSergio PerezPerez gained three positions at the start, then passed Button on lap two.
Great couple of laps. Let’s attack the cars in front, we’re still looking to go to target. DRS enabled.
4Felipe MassaRob SmedleyMassa spins off at turn one and retires at the beginning of lap four.
The gears were not going down. The engine went off in fifth.
4Andrea StellaFernando AlonsoDRS is disabled, yellow flag in corner one.
5Tony RossNico RosbergWe need you to start closing Hulkenberg down and getting past him.
5Gary GannonMax ChiltonStill yellow turn one.
5Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSuggest half a turn rearwards on brake balance and update your wear switch.
5Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanHow is the tyre, Romain? And DRS is enabled
5Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuStarting to grain a little bit on the front-left.
5Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanCopy that. At the moment [medium] looks slow.
6Mark TempleSergio PerezTrack is clear, DRS is enabled. Green KERS F3.
6Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuThe gap between Grosjean and Raikkonen has been under a second since the start.
I’m much quicker than Kimi.
6Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanOK, copy that.
6Mark TempleSergio PerezLet’s push now.
6Mark TempleSergio PerezCan we do once more past. How are the tyres?
6Mark TempleMark TempleWe can do one more lap
6Mark TempleSergio PerezOK let’s do it, let’s really push now, give it everything.
7Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoJust keep looking after the rear tyres.
7Tony RossNico RosbergLewis is now the next car behind you on new [medium] tyres. We need to close down Hulkenberg, really need to close him down.
7Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel pits
Box, box, box. Torque map one and box.
7Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelWatch your speed, hit your marks.
7Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBig push now, big push.
8Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonLooks like Red Bull are coming in so it’s going to be close on exit.
8Mark TempleSergio PerezStay right of the white line, don’t lift, use KERS on the exit. We’re going to be racing cars on the way out.
8Tony RossNico RosbergThat’s Vettel in front on new [medium] tyres.
8Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonRear temps are at the maximum limit now.
8Simon RennieMark WebberBox Mark, box. Torque map one and box. Hold brake pressure in the pit stop.
9Simon RennieMark WebberWebber’s pit stop goes badly wrong as a right-rear wheel comes off his car.
Switch off the engine, please.
9Simon RennieMark WebberStay in the car, Mark.
9Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelWe need to go through the traffic if you can.
9Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenRaikkonen is told Grosjean is about to pit but his team mate changes his plans and stays out until lap 13.
Romain is boxing now so we’re racing him.
9Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanKeep pushing Romain, [soft] tyres still good.
10Mark TempleSergio PerezWe’d like to still go to target, make sure we look after this tyre. You’re in a great position.
10Mark TempleSergio PerezWe’re matching the [medium] runners who have not stopped. We are matching them for pace. If we can find a little bit in the middle sector that will be good, we can gain on them.
11Tony RossNico RosbergRosberg has fallen two seconds behind Hulkenberg.
Really need to push hard. Grosjean is about to pit and he’ll come out in front of you if you don’t close the gap to Hulkenberg.
11Simon RennieMark WebberRemember to use KERS.
11Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel passes Button, who is yet to pit, leaving him behind Grosjean and Alonso.
Nicely done Sebastian. That’s Alonso in front of you, mate.
12Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHamilton urges Mercedes to tell Rosberg to let him past.
Nico is not in the same race.
12Tony RossNico RosbergNico you are on a different strategy to Lewis, don’t hold him up.
12Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelJust close up the gap slowly. You don’t need to burn up your tyres, make sure you keep your tyres in good shape. Alonso is 38.3.
12Mark TempleSergio PerezYou’re soon going to catch Bottas who’s on old [medium] tyres. You will be much faster than him, it may be an opportunity to get Ricciardo as well.
12Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanCan we get one more timed after this?
12Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuYes.
12Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanOK, copy that. Stay out, just keep pushing, OK.
13Andrea StellaFernando AlonsoBox now, box, start map on.
13Simon RennieMark WebberPress the air bottle again.
13Tony RossNico RosbergRaikkonen is immediately behind Lewis, Lewis is on a different strategy.
13Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGrosjean pits from the lead.
Box, Romain, box.
13Dave RobsonJenson ButtonWe are still on Plan A, Plan A target lap.
13Dave RobsonJenson ButtonPace looks OK, we’re still gapping the cars behind, this is good.
14Tony RossNico RosbergDo I let him by?
14Nico RosbergTony RossAffirm Nico, he’s on a different strategy, but remember Raikkonen is immediately behind him.
14Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanButton’s on 13 laps old [medium] tyre.
14Tony RossNico RosbergRosberg lets Hamilton past but Raikkonen gets by shortly afterwards.
Just stay with Lewis. Raikkonen on [medium] tyres behind.
14Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYou’re on your target lap, current lap 14.
14Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergCopy Nico, yellow, stay out, traffic in the back.
15Simon RennieMark WebberUpdate tyre rotary when you can.
15Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGrosjean comes out of the pits in third and immediately takes second off Button.
Good job, excellent job Romain, so let’s get after Vettel now.
15Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelGrosjean stayed out longer on his set of [softs], he’s now P2, you’re plus four Grosjean. He’s got new [mediums] now.
16Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGrosjean takes eight-tenths of a second out of Vettel on lap 15, cutting his deficit to 3.5 seconds. Vettel responds but by lap 22 they are separated by less than two seconds.
Pace is good, you are eight tenths quicker than the car in front.
16Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanVettel is on [medium], much older rubber than you, OK.
16Tony RossNico RosbergBox, box, box, boost to zero
17Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelGrosjean 37.5, plus 3.5 Grosjean, good job.
17Tony RossNico RosbergBrake balance up for turn one. You are pushing still, we still need to respect rear temperatures, they weren’t a problem in the first stint. Next car behind is approximately two seconds, Gutierrez. Correction: car ahead is Gutierrez, three seconds. Gutierrez is on ten lap old [medium] tyres so need to close him down.
18Mark TempleSergio PerezWe are about three tenths a lap slower than Jenson who’s the lead [medium] car but there are still cars on [medium] In front who#ve yet to stop who will come out behind us. So we’re in a good posiiton, let’s keep going, make sure look after these tyres, try and overtake if we get chance.
18Dave RobsonJenson ButtonWe are in the window. This pace is very good.
18Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelWe need a bit in sector two.
18Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI have no grip, man. These tyre are not holding together very well.
18Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy that message, Lewis.
19Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenCar temperatures are good, we do not need free air.
19Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHaving started from pole position Hamilton is over 14 seconds behind by lap 19.
These guys are on different tyres to me man.
19Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy that Lewis. You’re on your target lap, lap 19 currently.
20Dave RobsonJenson ButtonStill running to target lap, we’re still gapping the cars behind.
20Tony RossNico RosbergRear temps sill 15.5, good.
20Brad JoyceAdrian SutilUse your wing rotary.
20Nico HulkenbergMarco SchupbachHulkenberg made his first pit stop on lap 17. He came out behind Sutil who he passed on lap 21.
Give me the tyre status of the guy who’s in front.
20Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergSutil, 14 laps.
20Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs Nico having the same problem?
21Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenRaikkonen had problems with his radio earlier in the weekend and they recurred during the race.
Radio only works turn twelve to turn one.
21Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonA-firm Lewis. Nico suffering the same issues. We’re just needing to clear some traffic, keep doing what you’re doing, try and get that traffic out of the way. Suggest half a turn rearwards on brake balance.
21Esteban GutierrezFrancesco NenciRear tyres are degrading.
21Francesco NenciEsteban GutierrezCopy. Try to stay? we need ten more laps. Stay close to Rosberg to see if you can get by and off-traffic they will recover. Now stay close to Rosberg, Esteban.
22Mark TempleSergio PerezLet’s push now to our target lap. Let’s push for the next ten laps or so.
22Simon RennieMark WebberRemember to use all your KERS each lap.
22Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonMercedes decided to switch Hamilton to a three-stop strategy, bringing him in for his second change of tyres on lap 22.
Big push, Lewis.
22Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI’m pushing, man, I’m pushing.
23Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBox, box, Boost to zero.
23Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonRS modes.
23Simon RennieMark WebberWe have two laps of KERS overtake available. Toggle KERS when you need it.
23Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenWe’re on Plan B, Kimi.
24Paul DavisonJules BianchiBianchi’s Marussia comes to a stop at the approach to the chicane with smoke and flames at the rear of the car.
Get out, Jules. Fire the fire extinguisher, get out quickly.
24Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelBlown engine, could be oil on track. The car has stropped off-track. DRS disabled.
24Simon RennieMark WebberYellow turn 12 to 13, may be oil on track. Still yellow turn 13.
24Tony RossNico RosbergNeed some life-and-coast where we can just to cool these front brakes.
24Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelSafety Car. Box, box, box. Torque map one and box.
25Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonReally struggling out here, guys. Doesn’t seem to be any grip.
25Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy that Lewis, we’re seeing some reasonably high tyre temps. Keep that delta positive.
25Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelStart burning fuel.
25Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelDon’t forget to drink, it’s hot out there. Now’s a good time.
25Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelNeed 1.5 seconds of KERS per lap.
25Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelTry to put some temperature and pressures to your rear tyres and rehearse you restart in your mind. Safey Car line one is ahead and pitting.
26Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYou’ve got three cars ahead of us that started on the [medium] tyre so this could come back to us.
26Jenson ButtonDave RobsonHow long before me did the Sauber stop?
26Dave RobsonJenson ButtonHe stopped four laps before you. Hulkenberg behind on nine-lap old tyres now. Behind him is Hamilton and he’s on four-lap old used [medium] tyres.
26Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHow far am I off the pace compared to the guys in front.
26Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re 1.1 to Vettel and he’s the fastest car.
26Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs that the same for the other guys as well?
26Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonIt looks like Alonso struggling a little, Grosjean not too bad on pace.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis so if we could just start?
27Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonJust sliding around. Feels very, very similar to Barcelona.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonDon’t move off-line and no weaving.
27Mark TempleSergio PerezMaldonado in front, Hulkenberg and Jenson have only stopped once. Other cars have stopped twice.
27Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel reminded not to overlap the brake and throttle too much while warming his tyres.
The caliper temps at the front are getting hot so be careful with the overlap when you’re heating your tyres up.
27Tony RossNico RosbergTyre temperature are 11 front, 11 rear. This is the [medium] tyre so we will struggle a little bit on the restart.
28Tony RossNico RosbergAround you obviously Di Resta in front, Gutierrez behind.
28Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanWe are back on Plan A but we are not sure about the tyre so your feedback will be greatly appreciated during this stint.
28Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuGrosjean asks a question which is hard to discern, the two briefly talk over each other.
28Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanWe are looking into it. Release ten more percent please, release down to five-zero. At the moment we are sixty? OK, that’s fine.
28Tony RossNico RosbergDi Resta is on fresh [medium] tyres, Ricciardo is on [medium] but it’s done a few more laps, Perez and Sutil are both on [medium] tyres. Gutierrez behind is on [medium] tyres as well.
28Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaSo the outlier in the top ten is Hulkenberg, really, on 11-lap old set of medium tyres. Hulkenberg P6.
28Simon RennieMark WebberWebber is allowed to unlap himself and is in the process of catching the field when he is told the Safety Car will remain out for another lap.
Save 60% KERS for the restart. Only use 40 KERS this lap. The trail car is in turn 11 now.
28Simon RennieMark WebberThe Safety Car is staying out this lap, you will catch the pack easily.
29Simon RennieMark WebberNice job. Think about diff settings, we saw you went to diff four. Safety Car is in this lap. Your tyres will be in a position than others for the restart.
29Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelYou’re doing a good job on fuel, keep doing that, but we need a lap easy on the brakes.
29Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRehearse the start in your mind. No overstaking before Safety Car line one. Make sure you let the Safety Car go away. KERS twelve and mix five. Think about diff and brake bias for the restart.
29Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRemember let the lights go out, let the Safety Car go away. Remember diff and brake bias.
29Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelUse a little bit of KERS.
29Simon RennieMark WebberAt the restart we want to pick off these cars quickly.
31Francesco NenciEsteban GutierrezWebber behind, you are racing Webber.
31Gary GannonMax ChiltonLet’s get Van der Garde, Max, we’ll switch around.
32Juan Pablo RamirezGiedo van der GardeBrake balance one click to the front.
32Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYou are target plus one, currently lap 32.
32Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanDRS is available.
32Tony RossNico RosbergRFA [DRS] is enabled. Rear temperatures 15.5, under control.
32Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoYou need to look after these tyres from now on. We need to go long with this tyre set.
33Mark TempleSergio PerezMake sure you use all KERS every lap. If you want to save some for the last corner, suggest 60%.
33Jonathan EddollsValtteri Bottas20 laps to go on this set, 20. So look after tyres.
33Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanKERS mode seven.
33Tony RossNico RosbergFront brake temperature are on the hot side with a forward brake balance so we’d like some lift-and-coast where possible for it.
33Tony RossNico RosbergRear temperatures well under control, 15.
34Andrea StellaFernando AlonsoOil pump when you can.
34Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaDi Resta is trying to overtake Ricciardo.
We have a 22kph advantage in a straight line so set yourself up for turn one.
34Simon RennieMark WebberKERS 11.
34Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel’s KERS fails and he’s told to move the brake balance to compensate. His lap time rises by half a second on lap 34 and he’s another four-tenths slower the next time by, but then his lap times recover. This allows the Lotuses behind him to close – on lap 34 he, Grosjean and Raikkonen are covered by 1.39 seonds.
Fail one-four, three clicks rearwards.
34Francesco NenciEsteban GutierrezDiff entry nine for entry stability.
35Gary GannonMax ChiltonGood job, Max. Keep the front temp up as best you can and watch the rears.
35Tim WrightCharles PicBox this lap, box. Pit confirm.
35Tim WrightCharles PicToggle up.
35Charles PicTim WrightWhy?
35Tim WrightCharles PicWe had a slow puncture rear-left, Charles.
35Marco MatassaDaniel RicciardoThink about lap for new [medium], Daniel.
36Tony RossNico RosbergBrakes are on to hottish side front and rear, still under control, so it’s evenly balance front to rear now.
36Jenson ButtonDave RobsonWhat times is Vettel doing?
36Dave RobsonJenson ButtonVettel last lap 36.6. This pace is good, very good.
36Mark TempleSergio PerezGreat job getting past Maldonado. 24 laps to go. Let’s aim to maximise pace over those laps, make sure we get to the end with the tyres in good condition. We’re in a really strong position now.
36Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergDo you think 12 more laps on that set will be possible?
36Nico HulkenbergMarco SchupbachNo, I doubt it.
37Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergLap time still OK, can use more pre-load on entry.
37Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaPaul we have no concern over rear tyre life.
37Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel gets encouragement as he begins to edge clear of the Lotuses again.
Good job, Sebastan, keep fighting. Come on.
37Andrea StellaFernando AlonsoAlonso receive a message in Italian which also includes information about tyres.
We don’t have a big problem behind. Three seven Button, Hulkenberg six seconds to us.
38Nico HulkenbergMarco SchupbachI think the pit stop is not far away.
38Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergCopy that Nico.
38Tony RossNico RosbergDi Resta is still stuck behind Ricciardo and the straight-line speed boost he is getting is making life difficult for Rosberg.
Just remember Di Resta is also getting a tow and RFA from Ricciardo in front of him.
38Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergPlus five brake balance, quali pace now.
38Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonHulkenberg pits on lap 37. Hamilton is now in free air.
You’ve got 23 laps remaining. Button ahead four seconds, his current pace 36.7. Let’s see what your free air pace is.
38Marco MatassaDaniel RicciardoKeep pushing Daniel, keep pushing.
39Simon RennieMark WebberUse KERS, box this lap, torque one.
39Francesco NenciEsteban GutierrezRosberg is saving fuel in some braking events. He will do that when you’re not too close so if you put him under pressure he will have problems with the fuel so push on him. The points are not far, there’s a big train in front of you, try to find a way. Pedal switch, we’re not sure if it stays in position. We see you are in pedal seven, please try to fix it to pedal eight.
40Esteban GutierrezFrancesco NenciI don’t want pedal eight.
40Francesco NenciEsteban GutierrezCopy, understood.
40Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelGrosjean lost the DRS, come on. He’s too far back now, come on. Keep that up.
40Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuIt’s really difficult to overtake.
40Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanCopy that.
40Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonLast lap you were two-tenths fast than Button. Vettel two-tenths faster than you.
40Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanHaving failed to pass Vettel on the track, Lotus try to jump him by committing Grosjean to an early final pit stop.
Box Romain, box. Clutch eight.
40Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuBox.
41Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanYou’ll be close to Perez on the pit exit.
41Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanYou can use KERS, we need to be pushing these laps, you’ll be close to Perez.
41Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanPlan A, you are going to the end, we need you to keep pushing this lap.
41Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYou’re doing a good job, we’re pushing cars out of our pit stop window so we’re going to extend the stint. Target plus four.
41Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRed Bull respond to Lotus.
Watch your speed, hit your marks.
42Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel’s KERS is working again.
Watch your speed and white line. You’ll come out close to Grosjean, use KERS.
42Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelYou need to keep pushing, Raikkonen ahead is pushing. Need to cover Raikkonen, mate.
42Nico RosbergTony RossRosberg gives a muffled but positive message about his tyres.
42Tony RossNico RosbergCopy. Let us now how the tyres are on the deg switch.
43Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanConcentrate on four, five, six you’re upshifting too early.
43Tony RossNico RosbergHulkenberg catches Rosberg after pitting and passes the Mercedes on lap 45.
Hulk is next car behind on 14 lap younger [option] tyres.
43Mark TempleSergio PerezWe are in the window, confirm.
43Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelVettel is 15 seconds behind Raikkonen and needs to overtake Hamilton for third.
Sebastian you’re racing against Raikkonen at distance. You need to match his times, you need to go through this traffic as quickly as you can. You need to push, mate, that’s all I can tell you.
44Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelYou’re currently slightly ahead on the road, Sebastian, so be careful with overtaking. Be wise.
44Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonDon’t lose any time holding these guys up and update your wear switch please.
44Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonDid you say to let them past?
44Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonJust don’t lose any time holding them up.
44Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo you don’t need to let them by but we want quick laps.
45Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoGo mix position three.
45Tony RossNico RosbergHulk is inside your RFA window.
45Juan Pablo RamirezGiedo van der GardeBrake balance one click to the front.
45Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaCorrection: Maldonado has to stop for soft tyre.
45Marco MatassaDaniel RicciardoPush the oil button, Daniel.
45Mark WebberSimon RennieHaving made his final pit stop with 22 laps to go, Webber is gaining on several drivers ahead of him.
What’s the score on the stops ahead, mate?
45Simon RennieMark WebberAt the moment, Mark, people who’ve stopped ahead of you, you would cover them up to P7. Some cars in that train that you were following have stopped, anybody who stops will come out behind us.
46Mark TempleSergio PerezCheco this pace is good, 15 laps to go. A lot of the cars behind have pitted onto plan B. Which tyre would you prefer if we pit at the end, for ten laps?
46Sergio PerezMark TempleThe [medium] tyre. Only the [medium] tyre.
46Mark TempleSergio PerezUnderstood, Checo. Our best chance is still getting this tyre to the end. Keep doing this, we’ll get the best position.
46Mark TempleSergio PerezWe’re currently P6. Plan A is still the best way to get the the end, we will score the best points that way.
47Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenRadio problems frustrate Lotus’s efforts to choose the right strategy for Raikkonen.
Kimi you must only talk after turn 12. We cannot hear you anywhere else.
47Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenVettel and Grosjean in traffic behind Button. You are quicker than everyone at the moment. 14 laps to go.
47Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenWe understood that tyres are not bad.
47Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenAlonso will stop for [softs].
47Kimi RaikkonenMark SladeRaikkonen’s reply to his team is distorted and unintelligible.
47Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenRadio no good. Wait ’til turn 12.
48Mark SladeKimi RaikkonenCan you go to the end, Kimi? Sorry, radio is poor.
48Kimi RaikkonenMark SladeI told you already!
48Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThe three cars ahead of you, we think they’re going to have to stop again. Button has now fitted the option tyre, 13 laps remaining.
49Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonDi Resta ahead 23 lap old [medium] tyres.
49Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaIt’s Hamilton now behind, racing Hamilton.
49Tony RossNico RosbergYou are out three seconds behind Gutierrez, you just need to pass these cars in front, they’re all on [medium] tyres.
50Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRaikkonen in the pits.
50Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGoing to be close to Kimi there.. You’re ahead.
50Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanKimi behind is on [soft] tyres.
50Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRaikkonen has rejoined behind Grosjean. He’s got much fresher tyres. Lotus might decide to let him through.
50Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelEverybody ahead has now pitted.
51Andrew MurdochPastor MaldonadoYou’re taking new [soft] to the end.
52Simon RennieMark WebberStill two laps of KERS overtake available.
52Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelTraffic ahead, three cars: Pic, Chilton Van der Garde. They’re fighting for position, they’ve been warned.
52Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGrosjean and Raikkonen are also lapping the Caterhams and Chilton while pursuing Vettel. Grosjean lets Raikkonen by on lap 55.
Kimi on the [soft] tyre behind you is coming up very quickly, do not hold him up. You’ve got ten laps to go including this one.
52Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuGrosjean’s response is not completely clear.
I don’t understand?
52Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanKimi behind is on [soft] tyre and he’s very fast so do not hold him up.
53Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCurrently P7, fighting for P5.
53Mark TempleSergio PerezGap to Hamilton five seconds.
53Mark TempleSergio PerezLet’s push, the tyres are good, we need to try and stay ahead of Hamilton.
54Dave RobsonJenson ButtonThe current threat from behind would be Hamilton. He’s on a new [medium] tyre. Last lap 1’35.0. He is nine seconds behind you.
54Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelGood job Sebastian, be patient. The others will have to go through that as well. Next car Van der Garde.
54Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelYou’ve got a clear track ahead. Go on, mate. Come on.
54Simon RennieMark WebberNice job, you can still catch Perez. Perez is doing mid-36s ahead of you. You can catch and pass him.
55Jenson ButtonDave RobsonWhat lap times is Lewis doing?
55Dave RobsonJenson ButtonHamilton was half a second quicker than Button on lap 53.
Lewis last lap 1’34.5. He’s still eight-and-a-half seconds behind. Traffic in front is Chilton.
55Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanMix five.
55Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanGrosjean is unclear whether he’s been giving a team order.
Kimi behind is on [soft] tyre, do not hold him up.
55Romain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuDoes that mean he’s faster than me?
55Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanYes, confirm, yes.
56Simon RennieMark WebberPace is good, you will catch Perez, it’s going to be very tight at the end of the race.
56Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelRaikkonen has passed Grosjean. That’s a good lap, Sebastian. Raikkonen 34.3.
57Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanYou are racing Fernando behind. Fernando is on the [soft]. Four laps to go.
57Mark TempleSergio PerezKeep your pace up, we’re P7, we can still hang onto this. Keep your pace up.
57Simon RennieMark WebberFour laps to go, keep pushing mate, you’re doing a good job.
58Jenson ButtonDave RobsonButton is held up, allowing Hamilton to close.
Traffic, Caterhams, I’ve got to get these guys out of the way.
58Tim WrightCharles PicBlue flag, Button.
58Ayao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanThree laps to go, keep pushing.
58Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaHulkenberg on a charge behind as well.
59Tony RossNico RosbergYou still have your torque magic available which can help you. Two laps remaining at the end of this lap.
59Mark TempleSergio PerezWebber three seconds behind now.
59Marco SchupbachNico HulkenbergHulkenberg takes tenth off Di Resta.
You get him. Two more laps.
59Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonTwo laps remaining, Jenson’s really fallen off this tyre.
59Gianpiero LambiasePaul di RestaSave all KERS for the final corner, please.
60Tony RossNico RosbergPerez is in tyre trouble immediately in front of Webber.
60Simon RennieMark WebberYou have one lap of KERS overtake.
60Guillaume RocquelinSebastian VettelLast lap. Empty the tank. Come on!
60Dave RobsonJenson ButtonOK Jenson this is the last lap, we can do this JB.
VLChristian HornerSebastian VettelYou’ve won your home race! You’ve won the German Grand Prix! Well done Sebastian, great drive.
VLSebastian VettelGuillaume RocquelinWoohoo! Yes, yes, ya! Yeah baby! Woohoo! Thank you boys. That was a tough one. Oh man, they gave me a run for the money. Yes, yes, yes and yes again!
VLRoss BrawnLewis HamiltonSuper effort, Lewis, super effort. We obviously didn’t have the tyres under control for the first half of the race but that’s what we’ve got to work on. Super effort today, welldone.
VLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonGood fightback there. P5 in the end. Final result: Vettel won, Raikkonen second, Grosjean third, Alonso fourth, then Lewis, then Button, Webber – he had a bad pit stop – then Perez, Nico ninth and Hulkenberg tenth.
VLDave RobsonJenson ButtonGreat job, JB. Shame about that last lap but nice job, really good weekend. P6, yellow G3 please and normal in-lap procedures.
VLJenson ButtonDave RobsonYeah the Caterhams absolutely screwed us. Absolutely screwed us. I’m glad they fought well for their 19th position. Very impressive. Apart from that guys, yeah, great race. To be fighting up here with these guys? Great performance. I actually don’t think we were helped either by the Safety Car. Great job and hopefully we can just improve from here.
VLDave RobsonJenson ButtonAbsoltutely you’re right, Jenson, both the Caterhams and the Safety Car didn’t help. High gear please and nice and slowly bring her home. I think P6 it’s not bad, it’s the best we’ve had for a while and it’s a good reward for a great job all weekend. Can I have default-X-two-zero please.
VLAyao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanExcellent Romain, excellent job. Nice one.
VLRomain GrosjeanAyao KomatsuGood job, guys. I think we should have won. Very well done, good job with the car.
VLAyao KomatsuRomain GrosjeanWell done, good pace and good tyre management, well done.
VLMark SladeKimi RaikkonenWe hear nothing from you on the radio, sorry. Great drive.
VLSimon RennieMark WebberExcellent job catching Perez. We finished P7 after all that.
VLChristian HornerMark WebberThat was a very strong recovery, Mark. I’m really sorry about the wheel nut today but that was a classy recovery.
VLSimon RennieMark WebberMixture two, please.
VLMark TempleSergio PerezFinish P8. Really tough just losing out to Webber at the end but that was a fantastic drive all the way through the race, fantastic effort. From P13 to P8. Brilliant tyre management and pace.
VLSergio PerezMark TempleIt was not better to go for Plan B?
VLMark TempleSergio PerezPerez is also given the finishing order of the top ten.
No Checo for us the right thing was Plan B. We had good tyre management and tyre life and we took advantage of that.
VLSergio PerezMark TempleOK good job.
VLMark TempleSergio PerezAnd can we have default-X-two-zero.

Lap: Refers to lap message was broadcast on. There may be a delay between messages being said and being broadcast. PR = pre-race; FL = formation lap; VL = victory lap.
Message: Repetitive or irrelevant messages omitted. Notes in italics. Highlights in bold.

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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82 comments on “2013 German Grand Prix team radio transcript”

  1. wow, i like how Romain ignore the team order for 3 laps.

    1. …if you assume he was being disingenuous when he asked for a clarification on lap 55.

      1. he’s not dumb. Message was given on lap 52 and he pretend like he doesnt understand.

        I don’t understand…

        1. I don’t know if anyone can make out what he’s saying at that point more clearly – as it says in the transcript it’s not obvious.

          But without knowing that I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion Grosjean was pretending not to understand so he didn’t have to let Raikkonen past. If those were his motives he might as well have kept up the pretence for another five laps and finished second instead of third.

          1. he won’t finish 2nd given his pace in the end compared to Kimi’s. he clearly doesnt want kimi to win. Just like how he nearly took kimi out during Singapore 2012 when team asked him to move over after the SC restart that saw kimi attempting a move and him nearly bang wheel with kimi.

      2. same as bahrain 2012.

        The team hesitated to give team order, Eric said afterward that they didn’t want to hurt his feeling. ROFL. The team furhter jeopardize kimi ‘s chances by pitting kimi on the same lap as vettel instead of undercut him for the last pit stop.

    2. GRO, “I do not understand anything, radio is bad”
      I don’t know if the tweeter user rephrased the message or not but based on this, Romain’s radio was also not working fully well.

      1. @shena I think it definitely begins “I don’t understand anything, radio…” but then the next bit is too distorted to make out. Sounds like it has more syllables than “…is bad”. Something like “…is a jumper” but I doubt that’s it!

  2. Thanks for the transcript, Keith, there were some interesting excerpts again this time:

    Jenson Button: “I’m glad they fought well for their 19th position. Very impressive.”
    poor Romain: “Does that mean he’s faster than me?”

    Though I do believe it was the German “ja” in:
    Sebastian Vettel: “Woohoo! Yes, yes, ya! Yeah baby! Woohoo! Thank you boys.”

    And was this a typo, or was Ross congratulating Lewis on a super-duper effort?
    Ross Brawn: “Sduper effort today, welldone.”

    1. @adrianmorse

      “Does that mean he’s faster than me?”

      What strikes me about this is that, despite team orders having been made legal three years ago, teams still do not give their drivers clear, unambiguous instructions to let their team mates pass (or to not overtake their team mates).

      They are still using coded messages: Lotus told Grosjean “Kimi is faster than you” at Silvertone, they didn’t say “Romain, let Kimi past”. Vettel was told ‘multi 21’ at Malaysia, Red Bull didn’t say “Seb, don’t overtake Mark”.

      Three years ago when Ferrari told Massa to give his win up to Alonso at Hockenheim there were some who said people would find team orders more acceptable if teams did not have to disguise their messages, and that lifting the ban on team orders would end that need. But it clearly hasn’t happened: the team orders ban is long gone yet teams are using messages that are just as secretive now as they were before. So much so that in this race Grosjean was able to misunderstand one (taking his words at face value).

      What I want to know is, as team orders are legal now, why do the teams still use such unclear messages?

      It can’t be to disguise their intentions from their rivals as everyone expected Lotus to have Raikkonen let Grosjean pass – Vettel’s engineer even said it was a possiblity before it happened.

      1. the message was clear, “Do not hold him up”

        1. One could easily interpret that as “I must go faster” if they chose to do so.

        2. the message was clear

          Apparently not given Grosjean had to ask what it meant.

          1. that was a good act by him.

            Team and drivers would had communicate prior to the race just as “multi 21”.

      2. Based off Hockenheim, I’d say it’s more of an image and PR thing. The way I remember it, while much of the outcry was about the fact that it broke the rules, there was still quite a few people who were upset that Ferrari were stopping Massa from fighting at a point in the championship where he was still mathematically in it. Greying the message up as they do makes it that little bit more palatable for some people to take.

        1. Besides, the ‘victim’ driver is always likely to respond better to ‘gray’ team-orders than to clear-cut ones. After all, “Do not hold him up” is different to “Let him past”. It allows for the possibility of a defending driver actually going quicker and thus not holding his team-mate up without forsaking the position.

          1. Indeed, everyone can save a bit of face that way

          2. @einariliyev, I agree with you, I think the teams want to leave the drivers as much autonomy as possible by not giving direct orders until they absolutely have to. A problem from the team’s point of view is that drivers use that freedom to be a bit free in following the instructions. Rosberg, for instance, was instructed not to hold Hamilton up, but he didn’t let him past until a few laps later.

  3. 52 Simon Rennie Mark Webber Still two laps of KERS overtake available.
    60 Simon Rennie Mark Webber You have one lap of KERS overtake.

    What are these 2 messages about? I’ve assumed KERS is used completely on each lap, but these messages indicate otherwise, or does RB’s KERS not handle “overtake” mode being used all the time.

    1. I noticed that too. Purely guessing, and based on how Red Bull were rumoured to run KERS in the past, possibly they’ve compromised on something within the KERS harvesting, and don’t get the full 6.7s (or whatever it is) per lap.

      Also on Webber, anyone shed any light on “Press the air bottle again” (L13, WEB). I expect it’s something simple and obvious, but I can’t think of anything.

      1. I can only guess the air supply for the pneumatic valves needed a top-up or some repressurising – the cars carry a small cylinder of compressed air for this. It was one of these that exploded on Heidfeld’s car in 2011 when his exhaust set on on fire in the pits.

      2. I suspect it’s probably something to do with the nitrogen bottle used to run the pneumatic valvetrain. Previously teams would have to pit to recharge this though, as there was no spare tank onboard (that’s why one mechanic carries an air tank on his back). Maybe now they’ve added one due to the short length of the pit stops?

    2. that overtake button has more to do with short term engine powered up.

      You can’t use it frequently for engine durability or viability.

    3. I believe that in previous seasons, Red Bull were for reliability or weight reasons, running with a KERS system that only delivered 40kW (instead of the maximum 60kW), but over a longer time period.

      My understanding is that this year, their system can be used at 60kW with the Overtake setting, but using this too often can lead to overheating batteries or other systems. The rest of the time they revert to the 40kW system.

      This came up in the Malaysian round as well, with Rocky pleading with Vettel to “stop using kers overtake, the system can’t take it”.

      That is just my understanding of things if anyone has any better information.

  4. I look forward to these articles more than the Grand Prix itself.

    1. @nackavich Glad to be of service!

    2. totally agree! It kind of shows how the battle unfolded behind the scenes. I was wondering if there were anyway to read these during the race, maybe via a twitter feed?

  5. Lap 7: “Big push now, big, push.” Lap 8: “Rear temps are at the maximum limit now.”

    So Mercedes are so marginal on tyre temperature that is Hamilton pushes for one lap at the maximum he overheats the rears…not looking good for them!

  6. i hate to post this but you can watch the whole pit radio channel video here:
    http://vimeo.com/69875650
    password is: vettelsbratwurst

    1. @sato113 I don’t know whether that includes everything from the pit wall channel and obviously it won’t include messages that were broadcast somewhere other than the pit wall channel, e.g. the main feed.

    2. Nice, thanks for posting that, I enjoyed listening to it while watching video in the same time.

    3. Great ! Cheers for posting.

  7. I know they generally speak in which ever language suits but I get the impression Alonso and Stella have all together 10 messages per race (yes, i know there’s definitely more). I have only seen one message from Alonso to Stella and that was after the race in Canada. I think they took that “No more radio” message from a couple years back too literally :-)

    Great feature though, thanks Keith!

  8. I thought Vettel being told to drink was hilarious. Can’t see Kimi or Alonso being given such a message. That’s to say nothing against Seb himself, just interesting that some engineers feel the need to ‘mother’ their drivers almost! “it’s hot out there!”

    1. Could also just as easily be a coded message….

    2. @colossal-squid The drivers have a lot on their minds while driving these cars around. It may seem silly, but if you’re really busy with something, you might forget something mundane as to drink. I know I do when I have a lot of stuff on my mind at work.

      And remember, these are not all the radio messages, just what’s been broadcasted by the FOM.

      1. I think that a 3 times world champion should be mature enough to manage his drinking needs during the race. Other world champions drivers are not given this kind of message…

        1. @palmerstoneroad it’s not a question of maturity. Anyone is mature enough to drink, but if one is too focused on other things, one might forget to do that.

      2. You could take the view that the engineers are micro managing their drivers to an almost ridiculous degree. You often hear Rob Smedley telling Massa exactly when, where and how much KERS to use, or what gear to use going round a corner.

        It’s shocking to me to hear a driver (as an F1 driver, supposedly one of the best in the world), being told how to drive their car, or take a drink.

        1. It’s quite understandable to me. These changes are only going to gain hundredths or even thousandths of a second – something which is obviously important for qualifying, but are drivers really going to notice a change that small?
          In my opinion it’s the same as driver’s giving feedback on new parts. They parts are never perfect, but they have to study the data and the drivers feedback. In the same way, Massa is just being given feedback on his driving.

      1. Yeah, I remember that one as well. Goes to show how much micro-managing of drivers is going on. Whether that’s a good thing, a bad thing or just a ‘thing’ is another story!

        1. @keithcollantine @colossal-squid interesting that in both cases the driver in question, Vettel and Nico, was leading or on his way to win the race

    3. We don’t know what was said to Alonso. For whatever reason – language issues, or what the FOM choose to release – we never hear much of anything with respect to FA’s radio messages.

      This is a great feature and provides useful insight into what went o in the races. That said, some fans seem to fall into the trap of thinking that these FOM released messages are the full story, when they’re probably 10% of it.

    4. I believe that soldiers are often reminded or even ordered to drink in certain situations. Like ^Mo^ said, when you’re very focused and stressed, you could forget, and your level of thirst may not match your level of dehydration.

    5. I remember a (top) V8 Super Car driver here in Australia saying that the team would often remind him to ‘breathe’ when doing a hot lap around Mount Panorama.
      You want to start worrying when they say stuff like, “Seb, don’t forget your Insulin”, or “Kimi, radio failure. Will send text message. What is your new cell phone number”?

  9. L59 (Rosberg): “You still have your torque magic available which can help you. Two laps remaining at the end of this lap.”

    What is the “Torque Magic” they’re referring to? I suspect it’s some sort of “overtake” mode in the KERS system, but anyone have any further info?

  10. It’s funny how Kimi is having small problems always, I mean always…even 10 years ago.

    1. @velodrive He does seem to be having a run of niggling problems at the moment. Not what Lotus want if they’re trying to convince him to stay.

      1. @keithcollantine

        Not what Lotus want if they’re trying to convince him to stay.

        But look at Red Bull, and Vettels last two runs which have been far from bulletproof. It is not going to put you in a good negotiating position to have gearbox, pit stop and KERS problems either.

        1. @soerenkaae But RBR is not having the same money troubles that Lotus is seem to be having right now

          1. @celeste
            Obviously NOT paying his salary will be a problem. But I don’t get the impression that Raikkonen is the kind of driver you persuade with money. He has made it quite clear after his comeback that he is only happy when he wins. He will go to the team who gives him the best possibility to win another WDC. Right now he is in a very good position, and it looks like he can more or less choose between two teams in great form.

    2. Better having small problems and finishing 26 races in the points in a row than having big problems.

      1. small problem you mean like consecutive KERS failure, hydraulic failure, anti roll bar failure in 2012?? and most recently the rear brake malfunctioning in Canada (rear limited track) forcing kimi to move the brake bias to the front and finish the race by relying on front brake solely.??

        1. Yes. That’s what I mean. He still finished in the points each of these times. Had instead is engine blown, the alternator failed, the gearbox failed or a wheel come of on track (like happened to most other drivers), it would have been a lot worse, wouldn’t it?

  11. Chris (@tophercheese21)
    11th July 2013, 16:15

    47. Kimi Raikkonen Mark Slade Raikkonen’s reply to his team is distorted and unintelligible.

    Lol classic Kimi.

    1. is everything, even radio issues, “classic Kimi” these days?

      1. Chris (@tophercheese21)
        11th July 2013, 18:30

        Yes.

  12. Perez gained three positions at the start, then passed Button on lap two.

    I think it wouldn’t be far fetched to say that Pérez is one of the best starters on the grid, I don’t remember seeing him loose any places this season, and even in the Sauber most of the time he gained one or two positions.

    1. @mantresx if there’s anything Massa’s doing brilliantly this season is starts, tho. He has another engine in that car at the starts ! at Silverstone it was ridiculous how far he got before turn 1 !

      1. I had to look twice when I saw a Ferrari making up places to see the green helmet of Massa rather than Alonso’s blue!
        Perez does seem to have good starts, I agree. I think it was Bahrain and Germany in particular where he had very good starts.

  13. Lots of chat after the race about how Kimi’s radio problems hampered strategy decisions. Maybe if, knowing that they were having such problems, he’d just answered his engineer’s question instead of saying “I told you already”, life would have been easier for everyone?

    1. Simon Rennie is shuddering at the thought of Kimi coming to RB…

    2. exactly what I thought when I read this!

  14. Am I the only person who doesn’t like how Kimi talks to his team?

    1. Nope. The guy is just arrogant. Great driver but arrogant. I really don’t get his popularity, characterwise.

    2. how is he rude?? he kept replying to the TR and his engineer keep saying he couldn’t hear him for christ sake.

    3. Nope, me neither. Dd you see the interview he did with Lee McKenzie on the bbc (still floating around on their website). I really like Lee and he was just terrible. @manished of course that’s rude, it’s not the engineer’s fault the radio doesn’t work, no need to shout at him.

      1. if its not the engineers fault mate than whos is it?

  15. Man, this is brilliant.
    (just a note: Kimi is just rude, absolutely ridiculous the way he talks to his team)

    1. Kimi: That is how you reply to your ex team.
      RBR: Kimi, we need you, Sebastian never reply in the race, we are not woman, we prefer rude replies rather than silence.
      Lol..lol..

  16. @keith this is a very nice stuff. Looking forward to this as a regular feature after the race.

    So funny … that from an outside perspective , the drivers just seem to be driving the car. But looking at the amount of communication that happens back and forth it is very much a collaborative work.

    So if Kimi moved to Red Bull , he will be back working with his old pal who was told ” Leave me alon… I know What I am doing” !!!!

    Not sure if Rocky was ever sent to collect the Constructors trophy for Red Bull. I like the way he is instructing Vettel. Drink water etc. Vettel also has seem to adapted to him.

    Lewis and Webber also seem to be working out together with their counterparts.

    1. @tmax

      Not sure if Rocky was ever sent to collect the Constructors trophy for Red Bull.

      Twice, as far as I know. Recently in Canada,
      Horner
      “Right, Seb, Rocky is coming up to get up on the podium with you today so look after him, keep him under control.”
      The previous one, in Japan 2009. They were a cute couple there too. :)

      1. @Shena thanks. I really forgot about the Canada 2013. The Japan 2009 pics were cool…

  17. L4 Massa to Smedley suggests his spin was caused by a gearbox problem. I haven’t heard any suggestion of this before now. Anyone know for sure?

    1. They said so in the BBC commentary I believe, but seemed to have changed their tune to saying he just dropped it later on in website stories, so I dunno if that was based on further information coming to light out of Ferrari or what.

  18. It would be awsome to have a feature article on the race engineers of the drivers!

  19. I find it amusing that even when Kimi’s radio isn’t working and he says virtually nothing, people find him rude :)

    I think he’s just shouting to be heard and the Finnish monotone is even more noticeable over radio.

    I didn’t realise Seb needs as much support over the radio as he seems to: “Rehearse the start in your mind” after the SC. Are they being serious?

    1. They are being exactly that: very, very serious! If it doesn’t bother Seb to be “mothered” then it’s only added certainty that no mistakes are made. If it was an astronaut on a space walk you wouldn’t find the extra checks strange at all because they cannot afford the slightesterror. Well, Red Bull is simply doing the same. Kimi on the other hand doesn’t like distraction and hence comes along as rude. But remember the T-shirts he gave the entire team after the “leave me alone – I know what I am doing” incident. Rude? No way!

      1. Well, I think RBR might need some Kimi in their operation – at the moment they look like a bunch of gormless sissies. And image is everything in marketing.

  20. Why are all messages to/from Alonso in italian, while all the other teams/pilots talk in English?

    1. Because they know they wont win anything this season, so they go for the ‘most radio messages in Italian” prize :)

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