2015 Spanish Grand Prix team radio transcript

2015 Spanish Grand Prix

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Lapped cars frustrated several drivers during the Spanish Grand Prix, none more so than Kimi Raikkonen who swore at them on the radio.

But Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas were also among those venting their frustration at the slower cars as the team radio transcript reveals. Vettel blamed them for him losing second place to Hamilton, and other drivers were heard asking for the lapped traffic to be shown more blue flags instructing them to move over.

The difficulty of overtaking was a theme of the race. However a late change of position between Carlos Sainz Jnr and Daniil Kvyat proved controversial. The pair made contact, and at the end of the race Kvyat’s engineer seemed confident the stewards would penalise Sainz. It didn’t work out that way, however.

Hamilton spent much of the race trying to find a strategic edge to get back in front of Vettel after a slow first pit stop scuppered his first attempt to jump ahead. Approaching his second pit stop he reminded his team the next one needed to be quick. However his switch to a three-stop strategy made that less crucial, particularly as rivals such as Valtteri Bottas were being told to make way for him.

The communications also shed light on how serious Jenson Button’s handling problems in the McLaren were and how Hamilton tried to close on Nico Rosberg in the closing stages before accepting he had too much time to make up and not enough laps to do it in.

Also at end of the race, Romain Grosjean apologised profusely for colliding with his front jack man during a pit stop. He wasn’t the only driver to have trouble hitting his marks – Fernando Alonso had a similar incident which forced him to retire from the race.

The transcript of every radio communication which featured in the coverage of Sunday’s race includes over 350 messages.

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2015 Spanish Grand Prix team radio transcript

Lap*FromToMessage
PRTony RossNico RosbergWe need more fuel saving, need level two fuel saving please for this lap.
PRFelipe MassaDave RobsonFor information the engine deployment is quite low I have no power in the engine so… That’s normal, or…
PRDave RobsonFelipe MassaOK Felipe understood we’ll have a look into it. And RS [unclear].
PRDave RobsonFelipe MassaEverything looks good on the power unit cycles.
PRFelipe MassaDave RobsonOK. Yeah is normal this lap, is better this lap.
PRPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonFeedback on the start.
PRLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt generally felt quite good. The last two starts were in the exact same spot. RPM dropped quite low but generally felt good. Potentially not enough ‘G’ as I pulled away.
PRPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK copy that. Cool the car, go to the back of the grid.
PRUnknownNico RosbergOK understood Nico, thank you.
PRNico RosbergUnknownIvan the starts were all in the same place but they were not in the same place as free practice ’cause it was just completely off the rubber, not much grip at all, whereas in practice the rubber was like three metres or ten metres after the start.
PRMarco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrFlap consideration?
PRCarlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaI think it’s fine. The only place I have a bit of oversteer is exit of turn nine, because of the wind. The rest is fine.
PRUnknownDave GreenwoodOn Raikkonen’s radio.
I confirm the direction of the wind, so headwind on the pit straight, intensity a bit lower than Q but gusty.
PRBrad JoyceNico HulkenbergLatest temperatures: 29, 46.
PRUnknownJulien
Simon-Chautemps
On Grosjean’s radio.
Hello Julien, it will be torque four, clutch eight. No problems.
PRPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonRadio check from the garage, Lewis.
PRLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonRadio check loud and clear.
PRUnknownLewis HamiltonHi Lewis, discussing the brake balance for turn one, Jock, and we reckon 57% and B-mig 2. Might want to open a bit the diff entry as well for lap one.
PRLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs it hotter than it was? Same temperature? OK. It feels, as I said out there I had quite a lot of understeer, initially, over those first two laps. I’m tempted to keep what we’ve put in on. So then you’ve got to take your normal amount out for the next tyres.
PRPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK. So if we were to go with the normal adjust, that would put us two-to-two-and-a-half turns more than the other car I think.
PRLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonJust have to remember that I was kind of behind so I do need to have the front end. Still that leaves me, even if I take out half a hole from what I’ve just driven, that still means I’m two holes ahead, right? My diff is quite locked so I’ve got scope to come down but as I said when I went out there I had masses of understeer.
PRPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah I think that is the temperature thing, the [hard] tyre we know it does need a little bit of time to wake up. All settings should be at our maximum which is two turns more than the other car. And then think about maybe coming down half if you haven’t got scope on your diff to tighten that bit more.
PRSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel further news: everybody on the grid is on [medium] tyres.
PRSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoTrack temperature, wind direction and strength all very similar to qualifying. You know what we’ve done with the front wing compared to the laps to the grid? Shortly after the start, once you’ve got past the start/finish line, we can turn the limiter off. You can try to sync all gears on the way to turn one, sync all the way up to gear eight please.
FLTony RossNico RosbergCancel RS and feedback on the start, please.
FLNico RosbergTony RossGood start, little bit of wheel slip at some point.
FLTony RossNico RosbergRoger that. All gears are currently learnt. We will need to cool the engine on this lap, please. Going to need some work on the brakes to bring those up. Tyre temps are currently ten all round. Need a little bit of charge on the battery and two burn-outs, please.
FLLewis HamiltonUnknownI had wheelspin initially.
FLUnknownLewis HamiltonOK tyre temps are 104 front, 100 rear. All the cars have left the grid. Keep working the brakes, we need more energy in the brakes, and cool the car when you can.
FLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasOK Valtteri no change to the clutch, stay in clutch six.
FLMark TempleFernando AlonsoThe only gear left to learn is eighth, please.
FLUnknownRomain GrosjeanSo clutch six, torque three after the burn-outs. The burn-outs will be from the exit of the last curves after turn 16. And please make sure they’re long burn-outs.
FLUnknownLewis HamiltonGo for five burn-outs. Cancel brake magic.
FLUnknownLewis HamiltonSo check brake balance and B-mig for turn one. Go for a three-stop bite-point.
1Mark TempleFernando AlonsoLaunch map off.
1Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelStart switch up when you can.
1David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenStart switch up when you can.
1Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonAnd manage your ERS.
2Felipe NasrCraig GardinerI don’t know why but I have a lot of vibration on my front-right.
2Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenTyres are hot so we’ll need to manage.
2Craig GardinerFelipe NasrSo with the vibration, Felipe, we see it, we just have to keep on going towards our first target.
3Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelFronts and rear on target. Pressure a bit too low, still, but we’ll be fine.
3Tony RossNico RosbergGap to Vettel 1.6, just think about the tyres.
3Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonDRS has been enabled.
3Fernando AlonsoMark TempleWhich position we are?
3Mark TempleFernando AlonsoFernando we are P12.
3Jenson ButtonTom StallardAre the pressures OK? Really struggling with the rear end. Traction very poor, high and low-speed.
3Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson, pressures are OK.
4Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatCharge 12, fuel 10 to pass Fernando.
4Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt’s impossible to get close.
4Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK, copy that.
4Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Pastor touched me, just check my front wing.
4Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK we are having a look.
4UnknownRomain GrosjeanAll OK Romain, keep pushing.
4Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
No there is a problem with rear end [unclear].
5Tony RossNico RosbergGap to Vettel: 2.8.
5Tim WrightSergio PerezBe careful with surface temperatures.
5Dave RobsonFelipe MassaSo we see the vibrations, Felipe. You’ll have to just stick with the pack, you’re doing a good job right now, and then we can keep an eye on it.
6Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelHamilton reported it was impossible to get close to you. Brakes are OK, brake temps OK. Tyre a bit too high, ten degrees too high.
6Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergNico if you’re stuck in traffic go to mix four and save some engine mode.
6Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergHow is the car at the moment, Nico?
6Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceWell it’s OK considering it’s so heavy traffic. I’m looking after my tyres.
7Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson how are the tyres now? Any improvement on the tyres?
7Jenson ButtonTom StallardNo. Massively struggling with the rear. I still have understeer but as soon as I touch the throttle, the rear’s gone. Very, very different form Friday.
7Tom StallardJenson ButtonUnderstood, Jenson. But similar feeling from the lap to the grid?
7Jenson ButtonTom StallardYes.
9Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonWhat is the gap ahead of Vettel?
9Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCurrently 4.7 seconds. Nico’s doing 31.5. Give us a balance check – we’re thinking of Plan B.
9Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonNeeds to be – I can’t get close. Balance is generally good. Rears are beginning to slide a bit.
9Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK copy that.
9Nico RosbergTony RossGood balance.
9Tony RossNico RosbergCopy. So if we can just pick up the pace by a couple of tenths, that’s all.
9Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasGive me some feedback on tyres. Do you think Plan C is possible?
9Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCan be possible but difficult to expect what’s going to happen later. But so far it’s consistent.
9Tony RossNico RosbergSo you’re doing a good job there Nico, gap is 6.7. We’re going stint or stint plus one.
9Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergPits this lap pit confirm.
9Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceCopy, box.
10Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAnd last lap same pace as Sainz.
11Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson we think Plan B and we think target minus five, let’s go.
11Jenson ButtonTom StallardYeah, agree.
11David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK grip position eight on the dash, grip eight, tyre temps are in the window, surface well under control, surface looks good.
11Fernando AlonsoMark TempleThe rear end is terrible. But I don’t know, may be the same for everybody I guess.
11Mark TempleFernando AlonsoYes Fernando I think it’s similar for others. Our degradation looks good, similar to the cars around us, maybe a little better.
12Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson box to overtake, confirm.
12Jenson ButtonTom StallardConfirm.
12Tom StallardJenson ButtonLaunch map on, apply the brakes during the stop.
12Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis let’s close that gap up, you’re doing a great job.
13Tony RossNico RosbergAnd let us know if you need a flap adjust for the next stint.
13Nico RosbergTony RossNo change.
13Tony RossNico RosbergCopy, copy.
13Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK let’s go. Bite point four, It’s hammer time.
13Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergKvyat in front of you, used medium, he stopped a lap later than you, same strategy.
13Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasTyres are looking good from our side, it’s looking like Plan C.
13Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelHamilton in the pits.
13Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBox, box, do the opposite to Vettel.
13Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo cancel RS and we’re pushing hard from the out-lap.
14Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiAre you sure front wing plus 25? Plus one click?
14Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYeah confirm, box now. Hamilton’s stop was very slow. Grip seven, start switch down.
15Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodOK at my pit stop a little bit less front wing.
15Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonGuys please tell me the time, OK?
15Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoMaldonado has damaged his rear wing, he may struggle. Let’s get into him.
15Tony RossNico RosbergBox, box, box.
16Tony RossNico RosbergCheck your brake balance. Nice and easy into the box.
16Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs it best I eke these tyres out now for as long as possible?
16Tony RossNico RosbergAnd just thinking about the tyres for these first few laps. Really important.
17Tony RossNico RosbergSo remember stint plus eight on this stint. We would like you to pass Kimi, don’t take any risks, don’t damage the tyres.
17David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenBox this lap, Kimi.
17Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodOK.
17David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenAnd start switch down. OK, concentrate on position.
17Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatWe need to do everything we can to pass Sainz. Use your switches as you need to.
17Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re going to need to push and attack Vettel. We’re going to need to do this on-track, mate?
17Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonWell I can assure you that’s pretty much impossible, Bono, so we need to come up with another solution.
17Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis we are on Plan B. So it’ll be a battle at the end of the race and we’ll be on inverted tyres.
18David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK Kimi so could be a long stint.
18Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonComing up on traffic, you can use these opportunities.
18Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonPlease Bono, try not to speak to me during the corners, please.
18David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK check your PT position. Bottas ahead, used [medium], Massa behind, used [medium].
18Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK so it’s a better pace at this stage, this stint. Catching Verstappen at one second per lap.
19Tim WrightSergio PerezBox this lap, pit confirm.
20Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAnd box this lap, confirm.
20Fernando AlonsoMark TempleOK.
20Mark TempleFernando AlonsoCorrection, stay out.
20Fernando AlonsoMark TempleOK, out.
20David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenPace is very, very good – matching the Williams. Give me a stint like Bahrain middle stint, it can get a lot better.
20Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Problem with fourth gear.
20Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK, we are having a look.
20Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodWhat the [censored by FOM] is this Marussia doing? He has been three corners now in the middle of the road.
21Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonPerez behind he is on new [hard]. Hulkenberg ahead is on [medium] lapping 33.9.
21Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaOK guys this is clearly not a race tyre.
22Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK Romain you need to lift when you use the bad gear.
22Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
I can’t.
22Alan PermaneRomain GrosjeanRomain, if you don’t do that, you will blow the engine up, right? You have to.
22Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergCopy that Nico. The only plus point is the hard is looking poor at the moment.
22Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceNo, don’t speak on the straight.
22Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergWell you’ll have to wait for your answer, then. The hard is looking poor at the moment.
22Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceFair enough having the new now but should have had the new now, I would have gone through these guys.
22Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergRight, this is what you’ve got, so let’s make the best of it now mate.
22Tony RossNico RosbergSo fuel now very safe so continue tyre saving but you can burn more fuel.
22Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis go strat six, we’re going to save the engine for later on.
22Tony RossNico RosbergPlease use first gear at one point in the next three laps just to keep sync.
23Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatGood job, Dany.
23Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatReally crucial part of the race here, Dany. Really critical part for us. Need to get past Verstappen.
23Nico RosbergTony RossThis set is worse than the previous one. More oversteer.
23Tony RossNico RosbergCopy.
23Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonLewis you’re doing a great job. Many engine modes are available if you find an opportunity. You are in your Safety Car window.
23Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelRosberg reported he is tyre saving. Rosberg lap time 1.5, Hamilton 1.7 behind you, he is reporting he will save some good engine for later.
25Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonJust have a think about the balance, going to the other tyre next stint.
25Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBalance OK.
25Tony RossNico RosbergNico we didn’t manage to keep the sync in first so please go down to first again, it’s still synced at the moment.
26Tony RossNico RosbergBite point two. First has re-synced, thank you.
26Tony RossNico RosbergSo Nico if you can do just pick up the pace back to where it was. Two cars in front are lapped cars but racing, so caution.
26Jenson ButtonTom StallardAs soon as I touch the throttle I have wheelspin. Is there anything we can do, maybe diff or something, I don’t know. But it’s not normal.
26Tom StallardJenson ButtonTry purple C3 position three, exit diff locking.
27Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Battery’s very low.
27Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK it will be strat eight, strat eight on the start/finish line. You are doing well, Romain…
27Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
No more power, no more power.
27Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK, standby. It’s alright, Romain, it will come back. It was the strat change, all OK.
28Fernando AlonsoMark TempleI have problems with brake. Do you see anything on trace?
28Mark TempleFernando AlonsoOK Fernando box this lap, we want to have a look at the rear of the car.
28Fernando AlonsoMark TempleOK, box.
28Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAnd limiter, stop on your marks, we’ll change the tyres but we want to have a look at the rear so we’ll be slow.
28Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson we need to box this lap.
28Jenson ButtonTom StallardBox this lap.
28Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAlonso was unable to stop in his pit box and almost sent his front jack man flying.
OK Fernando let’s switch the car off, we’re going to retire.
28Tim WrightSergio PerezAlonso is out of the race. If we can keep close to Ericsson it’s good for us.
28Tom StallardJenson ButtonBox, box.
28Jenson ButtonTom StallardBox.
29Tom StallardJenson ButtonLaunch map on, apply the brakes during the stop.
29Tony RossNico RosbergSo that’s good Nico we’d just like you to keep that up just to avoid any interaction at the end of the race, we’re just looking to perfect your strategy.
29Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK Romain, Ricciardo in front is not very quick, try to close the gap if you can.
29Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson you’ve been doing fuel three, we need fuel one now, fuel one is enough.
30Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsSlightly more rear deg now.
30Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy. How many laps left?
30Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCould be around 20.
31Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonWe need a fast stop, guys.
31Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNo worries Lewis, we’re going to go for it. Bite point three, won’t be long now.
32Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonOK Marcus lap times are looking good, keep it up. We might stretch the stint.
32Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis let’s try and close that gap, it won’t be long now.
32Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonTrying to, Bono.
32Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK mate.
32Felipe MassaDave RobsonYeah I’m struggling right now.
32Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanOK Romain we are on Plan B and remember to lift off on the bad gear.
32Romain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
(Unclear)
33Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBox, box.
33Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBox, box. Do the opposite to Vettel.
33Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis cancel RS. We’re on Plan B so you can push these tyres. We’re going to come out with Raikkonen and Button, we need to get past Raikkonen as soon as possible, Button is traffic.
34Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel still doing a good job, mate. Pace is good, you are pulling away from Grosjean.
34Dave RobsonFelipe MassaBoth clicks off and you’ll be out on a clear track.
34David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenMassa has stopped, we think he’s doing three stops. Hamilton behind, we are racing him.
34Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodYeah fine but I’m losing the tyres, really.
34David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnderstood.
34Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonGive it all you’ve got, Lewis. Raikkonen 15-lap-old [hard] tyres.
34Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoStill doing a good job, mate, pace is good, you are pulling away from Grosjean.
34Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe are on Plan B, you know what you’ve got to do, keep pushing.
35Tom StallardJenson ButtonThis is fuel zero, fuel zero OK. Fernando’s car had to retire, the problem does not affect us.
36Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelWe’re thinking Hamilton is on three stops. Should go three stops. Try to do good laps now, I know it’s difficult.
36Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Vettel’s doing 33.1.
36Tony RossNico RosbergSo push hard now, Nico, won’t be long.
36Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseFelt like tyre came back a little bit this last lap.
36Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK copy, keep going.
36Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonKeep me up to date with my fuelling. Doesn’t look good at the moment.
36Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYou are safe to plan, just ignore the Lars (?) bar.
36Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Bottas car ahead, he’s in P3, currently doing 32.7, we’re going to have to get past him.
36Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBottas 22 lap [mediums].
36Tony RossNico RosbergJust still trying to extend that stint, Nico, just keep pushing.
37Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasOK so you might be feeling some deg but it looks like Plan C.
37Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatTry to keep it consistent. This lap is looking better again. Just control the tyre temps.
38David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenSeems like Bottas’s tyres are dropping off, we are gradually catching him.
39Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasSo I think Hamilton will get us. Just let him through, do a lift-and-cost. We’re not really racing him today,
39Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodGet that Marussia out of the way as soon as we catch him.
39David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenCopy, copy, we’re on it.
40Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensEricsson was briefly held up by team mate Nasr.
We’re being compromised.
40Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonOne lap, one lap, patience.
40Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasThe traffic in front is slowing me down so, you think we need to stop?
40Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasWe’re watching the gap to Raikkonen behind, it’s stable, so stay out.
40Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK box Sebastian, box. Start switch down.
40Tony RossNico RosbergYou’re doing a good job Nico just keep pushing, Keep us advised how the tyres are.
40Nico RosbergTony RossTyres OK for now.
40Tony RossNico RosbergOK just keep pushing then, we’re looking for a good gap.
40Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThese tyres are not liking traffic.
40Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThere’ll be some flags
40Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHow much time am I losing behind all these guys?
40Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Vettel’s in the pits now, you’re doing a good job, if we just clear them as soon as we can we can push on.
40Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBlue flags!
40Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy
41Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThis guy in front, he’s got half his rear wing hanging off.
42Tony RossNico RosbergKeep us advised on the tyres, we’re looking to minimise the stint length on the [hard].
42Nico RosbergTony RossStarting to go a little bit more now.
42Tony RossNico RosbergCopy.
42Tony RossNico RosbergNico let us know if you’re OK to do two more.
42Nico RosbergTony RossOK.
42Tony RossNico RosbergCopy.
43Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasRS mode, first gear, easy into the box, brakes.
43Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNow we’ve got free air let’s target 30.7.
43Jenson ButtonTom StallardLosing rear grip but seems reasonably stable.
44Tony RossNico RosbergWe’re looking to do one more lap after this again just tell us on the tyres, keep us advised, we can see lap times.
44Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatUse your energy to defend as you need to.
45Julien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanWell done mate, great move.
45Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThis pace is very good, still pulling gap to Vettel.
45Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re going to extend this stint while you’re pulling a gap.
45Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatSettle down behind Grosjean at this stage, we still think he may have a gearbox issue. And Sainz has pitted for [medium] tyres. So we need to keep our tyres in good condition.
45Tony RossNico RosbergBox, box, box. Going to [hard] tyres, standard flap adjust. And RS.
46Tony RossNico RosbergLewis in front is racing Vettel, he is on a different strategy, he has one more stop to make.
46Felipe MassaDave RobsonWho is this guy in front?
46Dave RobsonFelipe MassaIt’s Maldonado, he’s just come out of the pits.
46Tony RossNico RosbergSo you will be coming out behind Lewis, he has one more stop to make, so look after the tyres. Traffic, you have Ericsson coming alongside, you should be clear of him.
46Tony RossNico Rosberg21 laps remaining. Vettel has stopped again also on [hard] tyres, he is at least ten seconds behind, I’ll give you an update. Lewis is racing Vettel, he is on a different strategy and has one more stop to make. Nico just make sure you are working the tyres hard enough, though, so that they do work.
47Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBite point two when you can, pace is really strong, Lewis.
47Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonStrat mode three, you’re doing a great job, we’re pushing Vettel out of the pit window, just a couple of seconds to do it.
47Mark SladePastor MaldonadoOK Pastor I’m afraid we’re going to have to box to retire the car at the end of this lap.
47Mark SladePastor MaldonadoOK and just stop in the box gently.
48Tony RossNico RosbergSo just keep this gap to Lewis, look after those tyres.
48Dave RobsonFelipe MassaYou’ll be coming out onto an empty track, track will be clear. And Felipe both clicks off.
49Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrYou’re half a second faster than Max in front. We need rear tyres on the high side in temperature.
49Craig GardinerFelipe NasrYou are one second per lap quicker than Hulkenberg in front.
49Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonVettel now on our pit window.
50Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoWatch your mirrors. Rosberg now two seconds behind you.
51Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonFuel is good, just ignore that Lars (?) bar.
51Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonTyres are still good.
51Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonBox, box.
51Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasSo for info from data it’s that front tyre that’ll be limit at the end of the race.
51Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCancel RS. Should be coming out ahead of Vettel. Diff magic on.
52Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelHamilton out of the pits now. Can see Hamilton in front of you.
52Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiYeah, he’s gone.
52Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiWe lost too much time in traffic. I know they are doing their own race but still, we are losing a lot in traffic.
52Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK, understood, I agree.
53Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis so you’re in P2, Nico 20 seconds ahead.
53Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonKeep me up to date with his pace.
53Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWill do, Lewis.
54Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonPace of the car in front?
54Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonStrat mode ten. Nico doing 29.1.
54Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAre we on the same tyres?
54Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonStrat mode ten. Negative, Nico on eight-lap-old [hards].
54Tony RossNico RosbergOK so 11 laps remaining. Gap to Lewis is 19 seconds.
54Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiFlag.
54Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK, copy.
55Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAm I OK to keep pushing?
55Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiCome on, blue flag! Otherwise I get stuck.
55Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK he has blue flags.
55Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiYeah he had blue flags for three laps,
55Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatKeep on his tail.
56Tony RossNico Rosberg11 laps remaining, gap to Lewis is 19 seconds.
57Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsThey are not giving space.
57Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy, we’re getting into Charlie. Use DRS when you’re close, battery full.
57Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBono, information, lap times please.
57Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Nico 29.5, 11 laps remaining. Looks like it may be a big ask to do it so may be best to consolidate the position.
57Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAre you telling me it’s not possible? Let me know.
57Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonI don’t think it will be possible with the remaining laps, Lewis, probably just better looking after this one, let him have it.
57Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs it impossible? That’s the question.
57Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonHe’s going to respond if we pick the pace up. So I think we just need to consolidate the position. Seems to be impossible.
57Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasMode two when you can for (unclear), mode two.
57Dave RobsonFelipe MassaNine more laps to go. Cars in front still struggling so let’s keep pushing on, let’s make sure we get everything out of these tyres.
58Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodBlue flags for this guy.
58David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenCopy, they’re not being good at all.
59Tony RossNico RosbergEight laps remaining, gap to Lewis 15 seconds, he’s about a second a lap quicker at the moment.
59Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNico 30.1, gap 15.0.
59Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatGrosjean’s gearbox issue means he will be weak exit turn five, turn twelve and turn fifteen, final chicane.
59Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo gap down to 13.6.
59Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHow many laps?
59Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSeven remaining.
60Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonPace ahead?
60Peter BonningtonLewis Hamilton30.0.
60Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelGood lap Sebastian. Rosberg last time 30.3.
60Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodHow many laps we have?
60David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenSix after this, Kimi.
61Tim WrightSergio PerezMassa may be lapping Nico and Ericsson then you within three laps.
61Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelGood lap Sebastian, good lap. Rosberg last time 30.3.
61Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelKimi lap time 32.1, fighting with Bottas.
62Tony RossNico RosbergFive laps remaining. Lewis has backed off his pace slightly, gap still around 13 seconds.
62Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatBottas and Raikkonen behind will be lapping us soon. Obviously Verstappen and Sainz behind the two of them currently two seconds behind Raikkonen.
63Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThis [censored by FOM] Toro Rosso it just came in front of me.
63Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK we do have blues now for Bottas and Raikkonen. Sainz will be behind him.
64Felipe MassaDave RobsonHe’s not letting me by.
64Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatFor info Sainz behind similar pace to Bottas.
64Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelThree laps to go, three until the end.
65Tony RossNico RosbergTwo more laps, Nico.
65Dave RobsonFelipe MassaLet’s just get past Perez and then the trio ahead.
66Tim WrightSergio PerezKeep aware of the front-left tyre.
66Tony RossNico RosbergAnd last lap now.
66Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasBefore the last corner, go mode one. Wait until then.
VLNico RosbergTony RossWoohoo! Yes! Go on!
VLTony RossNico RosbergGood job, Nico, excellent race, well managed, really good job. So strat one. Just pick up rubber and just enjoy that in-lap.
VLPaddy LoweNico RosbergWell done, Nico. Absolutely fantastic pole position and fantastic race, well done.
VLNico RosbergPaddy LoweThank you Paddy, also from you guys thank you, really perfect weekend.
VLPaddy LoweNico RosbergA good day at the office.
VLNico RosbergPaddy LoweIndeed!
VLTony RossNico RosbergGood work Nico, well done.
VLPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWell done Lewis, great job there mate, that’s P2. Fantastic job making that three-stop work.
VLRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYes, P3, well done. Back to the podium.
VLSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiWoohoo! Grazie ragazzi, grande l’amoro. [Thanks boys, big love.] Shame we couldn’t stay ahead, we tried everything, guess we had a bit too much traffic coming out of the pits.
VLRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelSwitch down. Yes, understood, copy that.
VLSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiYeah. And then they were able to jump us, they were quicker. Anyway, grazie mille.
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasYes, nice one! P4. Really good job, made the strategy work. Go mode ten please. Fantastic drive. P4.
VLValtteri BottasJonathan EddollsThanks guys, really well done. Again we beat one of the red ones with a little bit slower car so bit of a repeat from last race. Thanks guys, let’s keep pushing.
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy that. Just remember to pick up lots of rubber. So finishing order in the end: Rosberg won from Hamilton, Vettel – you were only 13 seconds behind him so that’s the closest we’ve been – Raikkonen, Massa got six, Ricciardo, Grosjean, Sainz, Kvyat.
VLValtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCopy that. The podium will come, let’s just keep going.
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy that. It’s getting closer.
VLRob SmedleyValtteri BottasWell done Valtteri, that was a really excellent drive. P4, you deserve it, as you said the podium’s on its way.
VLValtteri BottasRob SmedleyThanks Rob.
VLTom StallardJenson ButtonJB I still don’t fully understand what happened in the first two stints there. But pace in the last two stints was OK, more or less where we expected it to be.
VLJenson ButtonTom StallardYeah I mean it was pretty horrific. I don’t know why but [unclear] immediately snap to oversteer. There might be something broken. Something to look at because it was terrible, I mean I haven’t driven a car like that for a long… well, ever! Very weird. A little bit of a set-up mistake, maybe, you would expect. Did not have the maximum from the car, but not like that. That was a different level.
VLTom StallardJenson ButtonYep, OK. We’ll have a proper investigation, try to understand what’s going on.
VLDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenGood race, you drove really well sorry for all the problems during the weekend. Just remember to pick up rubber.
VLKimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodYeah wasn’t a very good weekend but at least we got something out.
VLDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenCopy, copy.
VLMaurizio ArrivabeneKimi RaikkonenWell done Kimi. More than that was impossible today.
VLJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanGrosjean knocked his front jack man over during a pit stop.
That’s it, P8, well dome mate. Good points, well deserve. Strat two, torque 12.
VLRomain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Good job, guys. I’m very, very, very, very sorry for the pit stop. I hope no one is hurt.
VLJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanNo that’s fine Romain, they are solid, don’t worry.
VLRomain GrosjeanJulien
Simon-Chautemps
OK, sorry but well done. Tough, tough race.
VLJulien
Simon-Chautemps
Romain GrosjeanIt was a tough race but you did everything right. It’s nice to bring back some points. Well done again.
VLSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoNico job today mate. Good pace, I know it’s a bit of a quiet race for you last two stints but pace was good, good management. So we finished P7.
VLDaniel RicciardoSimon RennieOK, understood. Thanks guys.
VLDave RobsonFelipe MassaThat’s a good drive, really nice drive. Made some good progress at the beginning and P6 from where we were is a good result. So in fact everybody got lapped up to us, we were the last car not to be lapped, that’s good.
VLFelipe MassaDave RobsonOK, yep, that’s good. Thank you guys.
VLMarco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrP9 mate. Two points in the bag. Well done.
VLGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatSainz passed Kvyat on the final lap, the pair made contact but the stewards did not improve a penalty, leaving Kvyat tenth.
So as it stands P10. Hopefully it’ll be back to P9.
VLGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDany for your information Charlie was made aware and I think his stance was unless Sainz gave you the position back he would be reported to the stewards. OK? That’s where we’re at.
VLXevi PujolarMax VerstappenP11. Shame we couldn’t get that point.

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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Spanish Grand Prix data

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33 comments on “2015 Spanish Grand Prix team radio transcript”

  1. I think what Vettel said at the end was “grande lavoro” – “great work”.

    Not many surprises in this transcript, but still a good read. I was amused by Hamilton’s matter-of-fact statement about Maldonado’s wing.

    1. … and by “great work” I mean “great job” …

  2. good observation by hamilton alright lol

  3. Why do they “need to pick up rubber” at the end?

    For weight? it doesn’t seem that much… hight? isn’t hight measured having the plank board as reference?

    1. @lucien_todutz Weight not height, every little helps and they can pick up a few kilos I think!

    2. Yeah confused about that term. What exactly does “pick up rubber” mean?

      1. Tires are hot and sticky. If they drive off the line into the marbles (little balls of worn off rubber) they’ll get those to stick to the tires thus adding a little bit of weight. Just a precautionary measure to make sure the car isn’t found to be underweight at the end of the race. Watch when the P1-3 cars park at the end – their tires are covered with rubber warts.

        1. Ahhh ok, thanks for the explanation!

          1. Kubica in his debut race for the BMW Sauber team was disqualified post-race from seventh due to his car being underweight in a post-race weight check.
            he didnt pick up rubber , rookie mistake ( or team mistake for not telling him)

  4. Oh I get so annoyed by these constant moaning about blue flags from the Ferrari drivers.
    It makes me wonder if drivers feel that the track marshalls aren’t doing their jobs properly.

    1. And the Mercedes drivers as well!

      40 Lewis Hamilton Peter Bonnington How much time am I losing behind all these guys?
      40 Peter Bonnington Lewis Hamilton So Vettel’s in the pits now, you’re doing a good job, if we just clear them as soon as we can we can push on.
      40 Lewis Hamilton Peter Bonnington Blue flags!
      40 Peter Bonnington Lewis Hamilton Copy

    2. Calling out “blue flags” is not a shot at the marshals, it’s a complaint about lapped drivers not getting out of the way despite being shown the blue flag. They are basically saying “get on the horn and tell these guys to stop racing and give way – they’re under blue flags!”

  5. As soon as I touch the throttle I have wheelspin.

    So basically confirmation that Maclaren’s real problem lies with the chassis.

    1. Not at all…

      You need to do some research on power delivery from not only turbo engines but turbo engines with ERS instead of waste gate excess pressure.

      Jensons issue was purely a problem with the engine and its power delivery.

  6. Where is the line about what you can tell a driver about the status of other drivers? Lewis seemed to be getting a lot of info about Nico. However, I remember a few races ago, Nico asked about Lewis and they said they weren’t allowed to give him information…

    1. Laptime updates are OK, sector time is not.

      1. they can let the drivers know the pace around them but they can’t tell the drivers where they should drive differently i.e. use 5th in turn 10, carry more speed through 4th …

  7. Well I can assure you that’s pretty much impossible, Bono, so we need to come up with another solution.

    I had never heard Hamilton saying overtaking is impossible. Seems though he forgot it as later on he wanted to close a 14 sec gap to Rosberg AND overtake him :)

    1. he was on the faster and fresher tire, but still way to far behind; i think he knew it and he should have listen to the engineer but in the moment he got a bit frustrated.
      Looks like they extended Nico’s middle stint to switch him to a 2 stop but either way, even without Vettel ahead, i don’t think Lewis could have done anything about Nico in this race.

    2. He did spend 2010 and 2011 tucked up behind a Red bull for 50 laps. So he has experience in getting nowhere in Spain

  8. I love the insight we get from the radio. I think FOM should make better use of it, with commentators knowing what the Magic and everything means.

    In fact generally I think FOM do a tragic job of presenting F1. I was just reading on motorsport.com that Ron Walker has written to Jean Todt asking for a new engine in 2017, saying the current ones are too complex for fans to understand.

    But FOM don’t even display ES use for fans to appreciate! Formula1.com doesn’t even have a driver tracker. We only get occasional fuel updates. We don’t get tyre temperatures. The F1Access product has a bar chart using GPS, supposedly, that is absolutely meaningless and has no explanation.

    There should be a whole suite of detailed information, with commentators properly trained, so we can appreciate the complexity.

    At the moment it’s like we’re watching ducks swimming on the surface, while underneath there’s all kinds of action that FOM are too clueless to present. Then everyone’s in a panic that ‘the show’ is failing.

    1. You are absolutely right!

  9. Why is Hulkenberg criticising his race engineer for talking to him on the *straight*

    The reply from the engineer sounded like there was some tension between the two

    1. I know, right? Isn’t the straight the BEST time to talk to them? Hamilton hates when Bonno talks to him in the corners which I can understand but, the straight? Race engineer is a thankless job.

    2. I’m not surprised there is tension – Hulkenburg has snapped at his engineer plenty of times during 2014 and to-date in 2015.

      It’s the first time I’ve seen Brad Joyce snap back though. Good on him.

      1. +1 I’ve been thinking the same, You can understand a driver getting a little hot headed in some situations, talking in corners, bad pit stops etc but Hulkenberg has had some mouth on him for a while now..maybe since he didn’t get the drive for Ferrari in ’14, something tells me Hulkenberg wont be around in F1 much longer, missed his shot at a top team and I think he will be off to LMP1 more permanently.

        Can’t say I’ll miss him either to be honest.

  10. I need to know what “brake magic” is. Mercedes now has “magic body control” on its pricier models. But I hope it is more interesting than that.

    1. Pretty sure Alonso didn’t have it.

  11. PR Tony Ross Nico Rosberg We need more fuel saving, need level two fuel saving please for this lap.
    I mean… wow. Before the first lap they are already talking about “more fuel saving…”? Really?

    1. They can’t top up the tanks on the grid so they won’t want to waste anything on the reconnaissance lap.

  12. I watch the Sky coverage and have F1 Access and still don’t hear nearly as much of radio communication as i would like. Is there a place where you can hear these live during the race?

Comments are closed.