2015 Singapore Grand Prix team radio transcript

2015 Singapore Grand Prix

Posted on

| Written by

We’ve seen plenty of controversies about team orders over the years in Formula One, regardless of whether the driver involved did as they were told or suddenly developed a selective loss of hearing.

Button asked his race engineer if he wanted him to “rub your tummy and pat your head”?
It’s rare to see a team defend a driver who’s gone against their instructions, but that’s exactly what happened to Max Verstappen last weekend. Having responded to an order to let team mate Carlos Sainz Jnr past with an unequivocal “no”, after the race team principal Franz Tost admitted Sainz hadn’t been close enough.

Verstappen wasn’t the only driver speaking his mind on the radio. Jenson Button remarked after the race he’d been given so many instructions to change his power unit settings he’d spent more time looking down into his cockpit than up at the track (the transcript below only includes messages broadcast in the television coverage).

His dissatisfaction was made plain when he responded to yet another command by enquiring if he should also “rub your tummy and pat your head” as well. “I know you’re not happy” Button added in a later message.

Both Red Bull drivers were left ruing their misfortune. The moment the Safety Car came out Daniel Ricciardo – who’d been closing on leader Sebastian Vettel – remarked that his rival had “got lucky”. As team principal Christian Horner pointed out afterwards, at least he had the satisfaction of denying Vettel the race’s fastest lap – by a mere 0.028 seconds.

Meanwhile team mate Daniil Kvyat had lost out to the Safety Car twice during the race, and was still fuming about it after the chequered flag came down.

Go ad-free for just £1 per month

>> Find out more and sign up

2015 Singapore Grand Prix team radio transcript

Lap*FromToMessage
PRTony RossNico RosbergJust confirm you’re happy with the standard flap adjust.
PRNico RosbergTony RossAffirm, good balance.
PRNico RosbergTony RossMy engine has gone off. Come and get me, at the end of the pit lane.
PRTony RossNico RosbergCopy, copy.
PRUnknownJenson ButtonIs everything OK?
PRJenson ButtonUnknownYeah everything’s OK with the car. There’s a relatively good amount of front end in the car.
PRNico RosbergTony RossI’m happy to fire up at the end of the pit lane. So Nico we’ve got a starter so just follow Guy’s instructions.
PRNico RosbergTony RossEngine has gone off again. My mistake.
PRTony RossNico RosbergWas it your mistake Nico?.
PRNico RosbergTony RossAffirm. I mean, I’m not doing anything different to usual, but it did the same again.
PRUnknownNico RosbergUnderstood Nico. You’re not doing anything unusual, but what we need you to do is to keep it at first gear until the revs come all the way down to idle and then put it in neutral.
PRNico RosbergTony RossOK this time I did the procedure correctly and the engine went off again. Now I’m in first gear.
PRTony RossNico RosbergSo Nico just confirm this time we’re going to go straight to the grid.
PRTony RossNico RosbergSo Nico no clutch warm just pull away if you can, try and just get straight to the grid.
PRNico RosbergTony RossDo I do a start?
PRTony RossNico RosbergNegative. Just pull away gently, let’s just try and get to the grid.
PRDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK Kimi we’ve [unclear] the cars much better than yesterday, rear feels more stable, everything stays as is.
FLUnknownJenson ButtonOK Jenson we continue with the program. Default zero five.
1Max VerstappenXevi PujolarStalled and engine off.
1Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenWe’ll push it to the pitlane. We will fire up and go.
1Max VerstappenXevi PujolarBut I’m stuck in first gear. What can I do?.
4Tony RossNico RosbergSo left front brake is on the hot side. Right hand side is OK. Could be some debris in left-hand side.
4Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis you’re doing a good job there. Maintain this gap, we will let you know when to pick it up.
5Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoHow are the tyres?
5Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieAll OK for now.
5Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsFor your info, the pace compared to the car in front feels pretty good. Just difficult to follow.
5Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy, good feedback.
5Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensEricsson was behind team mate Nasr.
He needs to hurry up.
5Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonCopy that Marcus keep pushing.
5Jenson ButtonTom StallardThe rears are overheating under braking.
6Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseA little bit struggling to stop the car.
6Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatYeah understood, rear brake temperatures are high at this stage Dani. That’s why we are shifting the balance.
6Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoVettel ahead has calmed down a bit, now he’s doing 52.3s.
6Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsStarting to have a little bit of rear right deg but not too bad yet. In the stop, minus one.
7Sergio PerezTim WrightI am a lot quicker than Nico.
7Tim WrightSergio PerezOK Checo, yeah, it’s understood.
8Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrHow is the car, Carlos?
8Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaAll OK for the moment.
8Tom StallardJenson ButtonOK Jenson we are currently thinking plan A target plus three. How are the tyres?
8Jenson ButtonTom StallardThe tyres are not good. Very poor [unclear] traction soon as I touch the throttle. The cars in front are much stronger. They’re making massive amounts of mistakes and the tyre recovers. Whereas for us, no chance.
9Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaWe are catching Force India.
9Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrUnderstood. Yeah this time you were six tenths faster than Perez in front.
9Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaAnd I could be so much quicker.
10Sergio PerezTim WrightNico is holding me up. A lot.
10Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBrakes OK?.
10Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYep Brakes are still fine. When we get close it will be the front-left that gets hot. Just think about how you can manage that.
10Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceThe lag is kicking in now.
11Mark TempleFernando AlonsoBox this lap, Box confirm.
11Max VerstappenXevi PujolarI start to lose the rear tyres.
11Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenCopy. Try to continue a bit more.
12Nicolas PerrinnAlexander RossiTry to work on pedal overlap to cure brake temp.
13Max VerstappenXevi PujolarRear tyres are gone.
14Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson, degradation looks OK on these tyres. How do the tyres feel?
14Jenson ButtonTom StallardYeah hasnt really degraded from previously.
14Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergHulkenberg sounded surprised after his collision with Massa.
Are you alright Nico?.
14Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceYeah.
14Felipe MassaDave RobsonI don’t understand, I was inside, man. You need to check my car man.
14Dave RobsonFelipe MassaWe’re looking everything looks OK at the moment.
14Felipe MassaDave RobsonYeah I dont understand what he did. I mean I was inside. So…
14Dave RobsonFelipe MassaYep. OK. Understood.
15Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieRiccairdo had been catching Vettel before the Virtual Safety Car was deployed.
He got lucky didnt he?.
15Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoYes mate.
15Tony RossNico RosbergOK Nico so it’s looking good. We are the second car on [softs]. So Lewis on [softs], you’re on [softs], verybody else is [super-soft].
15Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasSo just for info the two mercedes have switched to [softs] tyre. All others in front on [super-soft]. The two cars behind you on [softs] as well, but they’re a long way back.
15Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Safety Car has been deployed. Just keep the delta positive.
16Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiThe VSC was replaced with a Safety Car period.
Why was there a need for Safety Car now?
16Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelThere has been another shunt and debris, yeah, it’s not good.
16Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiWhere’s the other shunt?
16Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelNo, correction, was just the debris and turn 12.
16Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiThere was hardly any debris.
16Fernando AlonsoMark TempleWe lost two positions because [unclear] so we should be in ninth, easily.
17Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieHow was our pace compared to everyone else?
17Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoPace is good mate. Our deg looked good. Vettel obviously spanked it at the start and then dropped off later to be three or four tenths slower. Raikkonen was the same pace as Vettel at the end so we were about three, four tenths quicker than the Ferraris before we stopped. Other people were miles off.
17Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieOK.
17Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoI would say Kvyat and the Mercedes both had worse deg.
18Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiHow are the brake temps?.
18Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelBrake temps are OK. Tyres are a too bit cold as you can see. We need a good warm-up on the tyres. Still cleaning the track.
18Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonYou didnt let me know that people coming past. Nearly just got hit by someone.
19Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaThe car went to neutral again. Like in China.
20Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe are going to have to look after this tyre set. Eke it out as long as we can.
20Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrOK Carlos good overtake. The race is long, 40 laps remaining. Button in front, you can catch him and overtake.
21Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonVettel’s backing up Ricciardo I think.
22Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatBrake balance forward one. Hot rear-right caliper again, Dani.
22David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK this is good Kimi. Temps and pressures with the tyres have stabilised. We are back to normal.
23Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatForward another click please brake balance Dani. Plus one click brake balance.
23Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThese guys ahead are driving really slow. or at least Sebastian is.
23Tom StallardJenson ButtonThe car is hot. Avoid a tow when possible. Move sideways out of the tow if possible.
23Jenson ButtonTom StallardAnything else?
24Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel obviously Vettel isn’t pushing atm. Keep looking after your tyres.
24Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonFeels like they’re upping their pace.
24Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaYeah my rears are quite bad.
24Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrUnderstood.
25Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseLosing some brake efficiency.
25Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatUnderstood Dani.
26Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsTyres feel still OK.
26Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy that. Everything good from data side.
26Tony RossNico RosbergSo Vettel and the top three are not pulling away. So there is still chance for more places.
26Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI’ve lost power guys.
26Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK we’re looking into it, we see an issue.
27Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonQuick guys, quick.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’re working on it, working on it.
27Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonSo driver default zero one. Try chassis driver default zero one.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonDoesn’t work.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah we still see the issue Lewis. We are looking at it.
27Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis so we see the throttle not going to wide open throttle. Is it the pedal? We cant see anything electrically.
27Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI am accelerating to full throttle but it’s just not going.
28Tony RossNico RosbergLewis has a minor problem. So just close the gap to the car in front.
28Tony RossNico RosbergWe would like to target delta minus 0.2 when you can at the extent of stint length.
28Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonCome on guys how do I reset the throttle?
28Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonTry HPP default zero one.
28Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThat doesn’t work.
28Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK lewis we think we’ve got a pedal issue. We can’t see anything on sensors. OK so we’re just looking into it, we’ve got multiple issues.
29Felipe MassaDave RobsonI don’t know what’s happened. I just went to neutral.
29Dave RobsonFelipe MassaOK Felipe, everything’s OK, just keep pushing on.
29Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonTry strat mode one, let’s see if this sparks it back into life.
29Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonNo.
29Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK so back to Strat mode three. Try RS modes, caution with the EB.
30Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonNo.
30Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo we are flat on the pack.
30Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK lets have strat mode one for a sustained period, for a number of seconds. let’s keep it on for a minute.
31Felipe MassaDave RobsonMassa came into the pits, then was told to go back out, then returned to retire.
I have the same problem.
31Dave RobsonFelipe MassaUnderstood.
31Felipe MassaDave RobsonI’m here. Now it has come back into the gear. You want me to carry on or stop?
31Dave RobsonFelipe MassaOK just keep going Felipe, drive through.
31Felipe MassaDave RobsonFor whatever reason when I am in the gear it goes into neutral so maybe it is a problem with whatever gears we have.
31Felipe MassaDave RobsonYeah again. I have the problem again. Maybe it is the third gear. I am afraid to destroy the gearbox.
31Dave RobsonFelipe MassaOK Felipe we are going to retire the car. Box this lap.
31Felipe MassaDave RobsonYeah I have a problem again.
31David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenI need everything you’ve got Kimi, I need everything you’ve got.
31Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt’s at the last corner where I lose most of the power.
31Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK thanks for the information.
31Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThe right front tyre is getting a bit too hot. Getting some understeer. Also the rear is sliding at low speed straight away when I start pushing.
31David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnderstood, Kimi.
31Tony RossNico RosbergJust remember to drink.
32Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonGuys, we might as well save this engine, I’m falling further and further back. It’s impossible. For all we know this driving could just be killing it more. We might be able to recover it.
32Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy that, Lewis. We are discussing now. We dont believe it to be a risk, we are still just looking at the opportunities.
33Fernando AlonsoMark TempleHow many laps we did with this set? And how many under the Safety Car?
33Mark TempleFernando AlonsoOK Fernando let’s try and close up on Nasr. We’ve done 21 laps on this set and 15 after the Safety Car.
33Fernando AlonsoMark TempleWill be tough. I don’t know how much track evolution we will have. I also don’t know how desperate we are to risk for points or if it’s looking good already.
34Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt’s really getting a lot worse now, I’m slowing right down. You need to stop me. Brakes are getting cold and everything, I can’t
34Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah affirm Lewis, copy that. We see it’s all dropping off. Box box. We are going to try and power cycle the car in the pit box. It will be RS modes, stop in the box, go to neutral and switch off.
34Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK so we are going to retire the car.
35Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThanks for persevering with us Lewis. We were trying our best to get you back into life.
35Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonYeah its a real shame man. I think I had the pace to win.
35Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah we think we had the strategy to win as well, mate.
35Mark TempleFernando AlonsoPace is dropping off is it the tyres?
35Fernando AlonsoMark TempleMistake in the last lap, I try to close the gap again.
35Mark TempleFernando AlonsoOK understood.
35Fernando AlonsoMark TempleGearbox problem.
36Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasWe may stop in the next lap or two. Well, in the next few laps. We are monitoring Kvyat. He’s coming up behind button. If he struggles to get past, then will may pit.
37Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsHow many laps?
37Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain Grosjean26 laps to go.
37Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsWe don’t go to the end.
37Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanCopy that.
37Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanOK Romain with the info we have we can go to the end.
37Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-Chautemps[Unclear, sounds like ‘But…’]
37Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelRicciardo 4.5 seconds behind.
37Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiInterrupts
There’s a fan on the track. There’s a person on the circuit between 13 and 14.
37Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelBox Sebastian, box for [soft].
38Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasYou should be well in front of Kvyat.
38Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsGood stop, guys.
38Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasNice one, thank you.
39Tony RossNico RosbergOK race situation while it’s quiet. So you’re P4, the three in front of you are on [soft] tyres. Bottas is the car behind you, he is fifth place on new [soft] tyres as well. Kvyat is P6 on the older [soft] tyres.
39Nico RosbergTony RossAnd am I going to the end with this, how many laps are left?
39Tony RossNico RosbergYeah you’re going to the end, everybody’s going to the end Nico, currently on lap 38 so 23 laps remaining.
39Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiTell the Safety Car to speed up a bit.
39Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK, copy, we are trying.
40Jenson ButtonTom StallardAt last we’ve got a break with Safety Cars. Well, we’d’ve got a break last time if we didn’t balls it up.
40Tom StallardJenson ButtonOK Jenson so manage the temperatures. We want you to save as much fuel as possible and we need some hard braking events to keep the temperature in the front brakes.
40Jenson ButtonTom StallardAnd rub your tummy and pat your head? Alright we can do this.
40Tony RossNico RosbergSo Rossi has not overtaken. Theres a Manor in front of Raikkonen who you’ll pass pretty quickly.
42Jenson ButtonTom StallardButton and Maldonado collided.
I should’ve known, really, that he’s mental.
43Craig GardinerFelipe NasrMaldonado ahead is struggling on his tyres.
43Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK Max good job. Still plently of race ahead.
43Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelStill possible debris turn 17. Marshals are cleaning the track there. Be careful, watch out for debris, there was a crash there.
44Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenStill plenty of laps to go. And keep it clean with Carlos behind.
45Tom StallardJenson ButtonWe believe 17 laps remaining after this. We think we will get to full distance within the two hours.
45Jenson ButtonTom StallardYou need to speak up, I know you’re not happy but speak up, I can’t hear you. How far are we behind the Lotuses.
45Tom StallardJenson ButtonJenson 27 seconds but two-and-a-half seconds per lap quicker.
46David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenThis is good, Kimi. Pulling half a second a lap on Rosberg at the minute.
46Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel you are doing a good job, you are catching Vettel. You are a couple of tenths quicker than him at the moment.
47Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsSainz passed Grosjena at turn one, forcing the Lotus driver wide.
OK, he pushed me wide. I had no place to go.
47Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanOK, copy that.
47Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrDid you go off track Carlos?
47Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaI dont know. Check the video.
48Mark SladePastor MaldonadoWe think there’s some diffuser damage. You’re doing a great job with the car. Any more retirements, we’re back in the points.
48Jenson ButtonTom StallardOK Jenson both Lotuses are really struggling and inside our pit window.
49Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelWe are the quicker car out there.
50David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenGood laps but remember there is still some way to go.
50Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrOK Carlos wise driving. We are catching Perez by the end of the race, we need tyres for ten.
51Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Dani you’re doing a good job mate, Keep it smooth, keep it clean.
51Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelPush the oil button Sebastian. That was a good lap. Ten laps to go.
53Tom StallardJenson ButtonOK Jenson, we need to retire the car. Gearbox . We’re taking too much risk with the gearbox. Back off, please.
55Pastor MaldonadoMark SladeIm finished with the tryes.
55Mark SladePastor MaldonadoUnderstood. Box, Pastor, box, please confirm.
55Pastor MaldonadoMark SladeCopy, box box.
56Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasFor info, there’s not a lot you can do, but we see a bit of a glitch on the gearbox on downshifts. Just look after the gearbox on the downshifts. Carry on doing what you are doing.
56Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsAnd how do you do that?
56Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasJust carry on doing exactly what you’re doing. This is good.
57Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonIt looks like we’re losing the tyres you just need to try and manage your surface. Three more laps.
58Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoFor your info. Vettel is dropping off as well, he’s doing 51.0s.
58Josh PeckettWill StevensOK Will 3 laps left do you need to box or can you stay out?.
58Will StevensJosh PeckettStay out.
58Josh PeckettWill StevensOK. Blue flag, Raikkonen.
60Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelKeep your head down. Important Laps.
60Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenUse scenario plus. Need to get him now.
60Max VerstappenXevi PujolarIs the next lap the last lap?.
60Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenThat’s your last chance.
60Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenThe race is still not over and we will have to swap positions. Two more laps.
61Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenWe need to swap positions.
61Max VerstappenXevi PujolarNo.
61Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenMax just do it.
61Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK Max you need to let him go now. Slow off, please. He needs to have a go. There will be one more lap to go and Carlos needs a chance to overtake Perez.
61Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK to go and push on Perez, push on Perez one more lap.
VLRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYes, you did it! Pole position and race lead from lap one. You great, you magic.
VLSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiForza Ferrari! Grazie. [Sings in Italian]. Fantastic stops guys, fantastic. We kept out head cool in the heat of Singapore. Grazie ragazzi.
VLSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiKeep enjoying it, guys, this is a great race to win.
VLRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYep and a great weekend, you deserve it. You push since the beginning. Great job together.
VLSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiSo now that I sang for you, you need to sing for me, OK? Promise.
VLRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK I will, tonight, I will show you. Enjoy the fireworks and the podium. Third win – unbelievable!
VLSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoExcellent job. Very good job today mate, pace was excellent, you did get the fastest lap of the race. We might have had a bit more of a chance without the Safety Cars. You did a very good job.
VLDaniel RicciardoSimon RennieYep, understood. Cheers guys. Good race car. Think we got a bit unlucky but anyway thank you.
VLChristian HornerDaniel RicciardoVery good job, Daniel, really professional job there. You’ll upset your former team mate by the fact you got fastest lap so you can let him know that. But very professional drive. You two were in a class of your own today.
VLDaniel RicciardoChristian HornerThanks Christian. I’ll give him a bit of shit.
VLSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoHe was certainly trying as well, mate. You pipped him him by about… I’ll let you know the number.
VLDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenNice job Kimi. Solidly P3. Well done.
VLKimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodYeah thanks everybody. Was just a struggle with the car all race. With new tyres it was OK but after that it was just the same issues as yesterday so… Anyhow it’s not too bad with the all the difficulties so it’s OK.
VLDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenCopy Kimi. We’ll just make sure all those difficulties don’t exist next weekend.
VLTony RossNico RosbergSo good job Nico in the circumstances, we’ll need to come back in Suzuka.
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasP5, great job. Now on this in-lap reduce the gear-shifts. Gearbox issue. Very slow lap.
VLValtteri BottasJonathan EddollsOK
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasPick up lots of rubber.
VLValtteri BottasJonathan EddollsWell done guys.
VLJonathan EddollsValtteri BottasNice job, well done Valtteri. So that’s P5. Excellent race. Really good job.
VLGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatTough race all round for various reasons. Hard luck.
VLDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWhat a fantastic luck with the [censored by FOM] Safety Cars. Unbelievable. Un-[censored by FOM]-believable
VLTim WrightSergio PerezWell doen Checo, great job. Really great job, great overtaking, great defending, good job with the tyres. Well done.
VLSergio PerezTim WrightWow! That was a good job man. Very hard at the end to keep these [censored by FOM] out. Well done, man. Good job. We need to keep this momentum now.
VLXevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK Max P8. Think very strong performance despite the problem at the start.
VLMax VerstappenXevi PujolarYeah I think we made up a lot of positions. The car was really good.
VLMarco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrYes Carlos! P9, great recover. Bravo. [Says more in Italian]
VLCarlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaVery quiet – can also be heard saying thanks to his mechanics,
Grazie.
VLErik SchuivensMarcus EricssonWell done, Marcus. Not easy: Tyres were definitely dropping off. Good job keeping him behind, buddy. So that’s P11 for you. Sorry about the mistake on special one.
VLMarcus EricssonErik SchuivensYep, good job, thanks.
VLMark SladePastor MaldonadoOK Pastor. That’s a poor reward for a well-driven race, mate. You drove very well, mate. Sorry about that.
VLCraig GardinerFelipe NasrWell done that’s a point in the bag.
VLFelipe NasrCraig GardinerWhere did we finish?
VLCraig GardinerFelipe NasrP10, well done.
VLFelipe NasrCraig GardinerWoo! Oh my god that was difficult, Thank you guys.

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.

Follow F1 Fanatic Live on Twitter for team radio highlights during all live F1 sessions.

Singapore Grand Prix data

Author information

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...

Got a potential story, tip or enquiry? Find out more about RaceFans and contact us here.

50 comments on “2015 Singapore Grand Prix team radio transcript”

  1. I’m thinking Mercedes was a little overconfident on winning the race. Where would they suddenly find the pace to overtake both Ferrari cars and Ricciardo? Pretty sure all three would have him covered had it been needed anyway.

    1. Ferrari on softs was as fast as Mercedes on supersofts anyway. Moreover Mercedes had even worse deg than Ferrari who had worse deg than Red Bull.

    2. If the safety cars hasn’t come out (and subsequently HAM didn’t have his car problems), the followiing is what I think Mercedes had in mind;
      VET/RIC/RAI/HAM/ROS start on super-softs
      HAM/ROS in for softs and go long
      VET/RIC/RAI in for super-softs
      VET/RIC/RAI in for softs & HAM/ROS are still out on softs and in POS 1 & 2
      ROS plays the team game and tries to back VET/RIC/RAI up whilst HAM tries to build a gap.
      HAM in for super-softs and charges to the end of the race. ROS in for super-softs later?
      Problem with all this is that for this race, Safety Car is guaranteed, since we have 100% record of SC per race. It would of been a nice race to watch if the above had happened. Personally I think P3 would of been the max for HAM. VET and RIC were too fast this weekend.

  2. Jenson on the radio is getting more and more entertaining by the race!

    1. Did he upset his engineer, though? “I know you’re not happy”

    2. Jenson is selling himself to BBC. They should hire him either for Top Gear or for their F1 team. Sky is watching…

  3. @keithcollantine Minor typo:

    “So your P4, the three in front of you are on [soft] tyres.”

    Should be “you’re”.

  4. Aaaand I’ll definitely miss Jenson if he does go. When we can understand what he says, his messages are hilarious!

    1. “When we can understand what he says”

  5. Peter Bonnington: “Thanks for persevering with us Lewis. We were trying our best to get you back into life.”
    LOL

    This part is also funny with how over-optimistic they were. Reminded me of Malaysia….
    Lewis Hamilton: “Yeah its a real shame man. I think I had the pace to win.”
    Peter Bonnington: “Yeah we think we had the strategy to win as well, mate.”

    1. Always reminds me of that Marlon Brando line ” I could’a been a contender”

      1. LH: “Dude I almost had you.”
        SV: “You almost had me? You never had me. You never had your car!”

  6. VL Vettel to Adami “Forza Ferrari! Grazie. [Sings in Italian]”
    If you wish to listen to it yourself… https://twitter.com/F1Rai/status/646400403848998912

    1. “Lasciatemi guidare perchè non sono lento, lasciatemi guidare … una gara bella”
      “Let me drive because I’m not slow, let me drive … a beautiful race”

      :D

      1. Correction. He says:
        “Lasciatemi guidare perchè sono lento, lasciatemi guidare … una gara bella”
        “Let me drive because I’m slow, let me drive … a beautiful race”

    2. @Shena Thanks for that – any idea what Matassa was saying to Sainz?

      1. @keithcollantine Sorry, I don’t speak Italian and don’t have the footage of it either.

  7. Comment of the race, IMHO:

    “Theres a Manor in front of Raikkonen who you’ll pass pretty quickly.”

  8. If you read the communication betweeen Verstappen and his engineer Max Verstappen is just a back stabber and a bad teamplayer. Earlier in the season they got the same order and Sainz let Verstappen by. He is certainly no hero and sounds more and more like a spoiled kid who starts to believe in his own hype.

    1. What race was that? People talk about that but always fail to mention the race, thanks in advance!

      1. I believe it was Malaysia. Don’t quote me on that but if my memory serves me well it was in the closing stages of Malaysia

        1. When it was really needed in Hungary the team had to undercut Sainz.

          In Malaysia Sainz would not have chance anyway, and in Monaco the only thing he could have done was drive deliberately into Verstappen.

    2. Why should Sainz be favoured over Verstappen ?

      As far as I know, only just last week Sainz told everyone there was no favouring for either driver at Torro Rosso. I don’t get it why Verstappen has to go to the side and let Sainz present himself at the cost of Verstappen so he can look to be the better driver, while he clearly wasn’t in this race.

      The last 2 laps, the chance to be able to overtake Perez would have been the greatest, because of Perez’s tyres having been worn out the most, and what is so special about Sainz that he has to be privileged to be given such a chance over Verstappen ?

      1. Verstappen had worn his tyres more than Sainz. It was pretty obvious that Verstappen wasn’t going to overtake Pérez. Sainz’s tyres were 1 lap fresher, and there are conflicting reports but Verstappen might have been using an used set (and Sainz a new set) so that would add some extra wear.

        Obviously the team is better having a 7th and 9th than 8th and 9th. Right now Toro Rosso could aim for Lotus and possibly Force India, which would mean a lot more of money.

        Furthermore, if Sainz forced Pérez a bit wide, Verstappen is the kind of guy who can use that chance. So potentially a 7th and 8th, and making a rival lose points.

        And if Sainz didn’t overtake Pérez, Verstappen would lose nothing, since Sainz would be ordered to give the position back.

        It’s not about favoring Sainz. It’s about getting the best result for the team. Verstappen had worse odds of passing Pérez than Sainz, so why not try it?

        And remember. Vettel let Ricciardo through at Bahrain last year. Kvyat let Ricciardo through at Monaco this year. It’s all about optimizing the result for the team.

        1. Verstappen’s driving style makes him wear out his tyres less, so after 20 laps the tyres of Verstappen were probably in a better condition.

          Kvyat letting Ricciardo through in Monaco was because Ricciardo was on much fresher and the faster tyres, totally different situation. It had nothing to do with optimizing the team result, the only which would have been accomplished was Sainz giving the impression of being the better driver at the expense of Verstappen.

          1. It had nothing to do with optimizing the team result, the only which would have been accomplished was Sainz giving the impression of being the better driver at the expense of Verstappen.

            Do you have any evidence to back up your accusations? Because they make no sense.
            I fully agree that the team order itself was timed poorly and probably even explained poorly, but I fully understand it was for trying to optimize the team result.

          2. Watch the last stint of both of them at the Monza GP to see who was able to keep his lap times in the 1.27s the most laps. Sainz was on maximum attack also at the end in trying to catch Kvyat at the Monza GP.

            The request to let him through came from Sainz himself (declared by himself in the Spanish press), and the team responded to it. Now if Verstappen wasn’t able to overtake Perez, Sainz would had no chance either, so the only thing which would have accomplished by it was, it would have given the impression Sainz being the better driver (he gets overshadowed right now and needs to present himself better, but on track it’s not happening that much).

          3. OK, so you have no proof.

          4. There’s enough proof to be found in the other races too about Verstappen being able to keep his tyres in a better condition for longer…hint, look at the team team radio transcript of the Singapore GP lap 24 ;)

      2. I forgot to add something. I think Verstappen was the best driver of the two last weekend, but that’s irrelevant. At that point in the race, Sainz (through different strategies or whatever) had fresher tyres. He had a better chance at gaining a position.

        1. You forget that if Verstappen let Sainz past he would have been at least 1.3-1.5 seconds behind Perez on lap 60 close to lap 61, he would have to close that gap within a few turns to even have a shot at overtaking Perez and even if his tires were 4-5 laps fresher he would not have been able to do so, even with DRS the Mercedes engine on the straights was powerful enough to hold and even increase the gap.

          Would they have called to switch when Sainz closed the gap with Verstappen on lap 55 he might have had a little chance to overtake Perez but be honest, overtaking is not Sainz’s quality, he could not even overtake Alonso and later Ericsson earlier in the race, he even had pull a dangerous move that forced Grosjean off track, would it have been Maldonado both would have ended up in the walls.

          So all in all a wise choice by Verstappen and terrible judgement by the team to even ask him to swap it will only create friction within the team and they need all the points they can get to beat Lotus this year.

          1. Order had come early enough for Sainz to have a go at Perez, but Verstappen dilly dallied.

      3. Your name and your comment about sainz makes you sound like you’re bias towards max in my eyes

  9. Lewis Hamilton: “Vettel’s backing up Ricciardo I think.”

    Rosberg: “And am I going to the end with this, how many laps are left?”

    Interesting that top tier drivers like Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso can see the whole race. Solid (good) racers like Rosberg usually can’t see further than the next car ahead of them.

    1. Don’t see how you equate ‘going to the end’ and ‘how many laps left’ with not seeing the whole race. He was obviously thinking about his conditions by which he would be finishing his last stint of the race with respect to today’s need to conserve in order to finish without losing places on ruined tires.

      1. My comment is not about one sentence or one race.

    2. We don’t get all the radio conversation either.

      1. Not that I disagree though. For example, if you read the post-race press conference, you realize how much Vettel knew about other people’s races too, like Ricciardo, Hamilton, Rosberg et al.

  10. Would have been interesting to see LH’s side’s strategy play out, perhaps without the distractions of safety cars and buddy going for a walk on the track, wrt their claim of having the strategy to beat SV, and how that would have affected any thoughts of whether SV is now on a WDC hunt or not as per Keith’s topic on that.

  11. Thanks for the list. Great reaction by Nasr at the end there!

    I was surprised to be reminded that Hamilton ran around with his issue for about seven or so laps.

    Also, from which Silicon Valley start-up did Mercedes recruit its race engineers? These guys can’t seem to start a sentence without the word So. Such inane filler words must get old pretty fast when you’re driving around on track.

    1. Actually, using radios, the first word can often be clipped, and/or the driver might be concentrating on others things (unlikely as that may be) so an irrelevant 1st word serves to alert the driver to listen to the message and if it is clipped it doesn’t matter.

    2. @cashnotclass Actually, I think it’s rather smart to start with a ‘useless’ unimportant word. It takes a split second for the driver to get focussed to the radio message, so the first word(s) may be lost. Then they better be unimportant.

      1. Sorry @hohum beat me to it.

        1. @matthijs, Which is weird when you look at the time stamp.

          1. Or not, after the 1st gulp of coffee kicks in.

        2. Believe it or not my post went to mods. which explains why you didn’t see it to begin with.

          1. @HoHum It doesn’t matter. I didn’t really read too well, so I have no idea if your reply was showing or not. I was just eager to reply, failing to see if someone else (you in this case) explained the same thing even more clearly!

  12. I love these transcripts. Great stuff.

Comments are closed.