Sebastian Vettel led a one-two for Red Bull in the Malaysian Grand Prix.
But there were clear signs of disharmony in the team after Vettel muscled his way past team mate Mark Webber in the final stint.
“You’ll have some explaining to do,” said race engineer Guillaume Rocquelin to him as his returned to the pits. Webber directed an angry glare at his team mate and said “multi 21, Seb?” as they waited to go onto the podium. He’d raised a middle finger at his team mate following the pass.
Webber took the lead of the race after Vettel made an early pit stop to switch from intermediate tyres. In the middle part of the race Vettel urged the team to move Webber out of the way as they came under threat from the two Mercedes.
But the threat from the silver cars receded as Lewis Hamilton was repeatedly told to save fuel. Team orders shaped that battle too, with Ross Brawn repeatedly ordering Nico Rosberg not to overtake his team mate. Unlike Vettel, Rosberg complied.
Felipe Massa was the only Ferrari in the points after Fernando Alonso went out on the second lap. He damaged his front wing trying to overtake Vettel, chose not to pit to have it changed, and paid the price when it failed on the pit straight.
The two Lotus drivers finished sixth and seventh, Romain Grosjean ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, the latter having two off-track moments at turn 12 during the race.
Sergio Perez finished ninth behind Nico Hulkenberg after a late pit stop. Team mate Jenson Button was running in the upper reaches of the points until his race was spoiled by an error in the pits. Jean-Eric Vergne claimed the final point.
A full report will be published here later.
2013 Malaysian Grand Prix
- Horner: Vettel and Webber have a “healthy rivalry”
- Webber wins Malaysian GP Driver of the Weekend
- Red Bull gives up on team orders as Vettel admits he would defy them again
- Malaysia retirement no concern for Alonso
- Massa: Red Bull’s team orders not “intelligent”
Image © Red Bull/Getty
Aditya (@adityafakhri)
24th March 2013, 10:12
Adrian Newey and Christian Horner will have a bad headache. Multi 21 Seb, Multi 21.
Valentino (@valentino)
24th March 2013, 10:17
What does it mean? Multi 21?
Traverse (@)
24th March 2013, 10:20
Hold position.
Claidheamh (@aseixas)
24th March 2013, 10:47
Is this certain? It may also be an engine mode or something like that.
PhilEReid (@philereid)
24th March 2013, 10:49
Could well be, saying that the engine was turned down as was confirmed, maybe he was saying that to Vettel as to why he could get passed.
BasCB (@bascb)
25th March 2013, 8:46
I saw a short addition to the Racing engineering tech file on the cars, where they mentioned it actually means “setting 21” on the Multi-map switch on the steering wheel of the Red Bull @aseixas, @philereid, @hellotraverse, @valentino.
with picture included http://www.racecar-engineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/uprb94.jpg
The setting probably means a certain engine map and possibly KERS settings as well.
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:20
It’s code for “hold position”.
Tim Hutchinson (@darak)
24th March 2013, 10:58
There’s a knob on the RB steering wheel marked Multi. Don’t know what it does for their settings (maybe it’s some presets for multiple settings instead of individual adjusts) but I imagine it’s a reference to that setting.
Kingshark (@kingshark)
24th March 2013, 10:13
Most awkward podium ever.
That being said, damn Ferrari; so disappointing today.
Aish Heydrich (@aish)
24th March 2013, 10:20
Ha! Alonso should have pitted bu the team was not ready, tough luck. :D
Stupid race though, one of the worst of the season, Alonso going off took away all the entertainment value, I’ll agree with you. I missed the podium, what was so awkward about it?
Aditya (@adityafakhri)
24th March 2013, 10:35
I personally think that Alonso deliberately to do that, because the track dried up quickly and he was waiting for slicks tyre time. but if that the case, I’m wrong.
q85
24th March 2013, 10:45
Alonso should of pitted but webber cutting him up that finished off the wing was very naughty and we have seen penalties for much less.
Speaking of which today showed a massive lack of consistency in penalties.
1. Webbers move on alonso.
2. The pit incident between caterham and STR being investigated after the race. why? that wouldnt happen if it was merc vs RBR.
3. Kimi crossed the white line exiting pits.
4. Tho i have no problem with it. i see no difference between webbers squeezing of seb to wall to Michael doing it to Rubens. Personally both are fine but you cant penalise one and not the other.
Tho overall sad at merc didnt let nico go. if it was for good of the team they would of told lewis to stay behind when rosberg passed him. But they didnt. Mercs attitude for me was worse than RBR.
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:48
I actually thought that was a brilliant move by WEB, having his wake finish ALO’s wing (and race).
q85
24th March 2013, 10:54
are you serious?
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th March 2013, 11:02
Are you serious? Are you blaming Webber’s wake for Alonso’s retirement?! Perhaps you should lay the blame on Ferrari for gambling on staying out on track with a wing hanging by only one support pylon. Furthermore, are you aware of the enormous load that is applied on the front wing during braking? I’m pretty sure that’s what caused the failure. Personaly, I doubt Webber noticed or figured out he would finish Alonso’s wing using his aero wake, and even he did, why should he care if Alonso elected to continue depite having a clearly damaged car?
q85
24th March 2013, 11:17
i did say alonso should of pitted, no question. But webber did move across him. Wing damaged or not, which then ended his race. Thats what happened. We have seen penalties for that. Mark had no need to do that. Im talking about consistency in rules which currently there is not.
The wing would of broken totally earlier in the lap under the heavier stress points if it was going to.
Yes alonso should of pitted 100%.
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 11:25
Yes, I’m serious about the route cause of the final, catastrophic failure (the wing was stable for almost a lap in clean air and had held on at higher speeds, it disintegrated the very moment WEB moved his car to the right in front of ALO; I’d argue that instead of the total loads, it’s the massive, rapid change of loads that put the system over the edge) and that it’d be a brilliant thing to do, had it indeed been intentional.
No, I’m not blaming WEB, it’s clearly Ferrari’s and ALO’s fault for not coming in and replacing the broken wing.
q85
24th March 2013, 12:41
you said its a brilliant move by webber. that was my are you serious comment. He would of looked really clever if alonso had slammed into the back of him when his wing broke.
Alonso should of pitted. But webber ended his race with his move, tho it wasnt on purpose. But was needless.
panache (@panache)
25th March 2013, 8:22
It is absolute madness trying to blame Webber for Alonso’s retirement. Nothing more to say.
smokinjoe (@smokinjoe)
24th March 2013, 10:47
yes that the only logical reason i can think off but with broken wings and sparks flying off i dont think alonso could make it more then one lap, they should have pitted him ,for once alonso got it wrong
LosD (@losd)
24th March 2013, 11:14
Alonso can’t see his front wing at all, so he had no chance to know how bad it was.
This one sits 100% on the team.
Aish Heydrich (@aish)
24th March 2013, 15:09
@adityafakhri You are correct, that’s what happened.
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
24th March 2013, 10:21
Given Massa’s recovery today, the decision of not pitting Alonso in the first lap costs them valuable points in both drivers and constructors championships
q85
24th March 2013, 10:51
if alonso had been in the mix, merc/RBR wouldnt of been able to play their silly games. But alonso was to blame for the initial damage to the wing, but not the accident itself.
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
24th March 2013, 11:35
he admitted that and said the gamble to stay out was the only way to compete for the podium
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
24th March 2013, 23:27
Yes, it took a little of the race, well if it is possible to take anything from nothing. The Ferraris weren’t good enough so pretty much irrelevant.
auto_freak (@auto_freak)
24th March 2013, 10:16
Now you can see the true differences between Vettel and Hamilton’s character. Hamilton acknowledges his team-mate’s better drive whereas Vettel remains ungrateful and devastatingly ruthless. Team Orders in F1 are back in full force and I’m also glad that Lewis has finally found a team that stands by him, sad for Nico though. Great racing, just wish Alonso didn’t have a DNF.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 10:21
Team orders are not “back”, they were never really gone. But it does show how teams can run into trouble using them, and its good this gets out in the open.
It will make for a very interesting dynamics in both teams. Not sure Brundle was right about Hamilton having something in his contract giving him 1st driver status, but its clear Rosberg will be testing the limits.
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:22
Are you arguing for slower drivers coming in ahead of their team mates thanks to team orders?
MNM101 (@mnm101)
24th March 2013, 10:24
first thing is first, Respect to HAM for acknowledging ROS, as far as as Red Bull, just to remind you mark ignored team orders at Silverstone 2011 and attacked VET and couldnt make it stick and no one hacked at him for that, now that VET ignores team orders, passes WEB fairly and they give us one of the best battles in recent years, he is at fault? talk about double standarts.
Seb pulled off one of the bravest moves i can remember anyone doing… Props to him and a well deserved win
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:27
+1
NickV (@nickv)
24th March 2013, 10:30
Dont foreget that Vettel was asking for team orders earlier in the race so its hypocritical from Vettel
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
24th March 2013, 10:35
+100
MNM101 (@mnm101)
24th March 2013, 10:36
it actually made sense, it was the middle of the race,towards the end of the stint, they both had to conserve tyres(Seb’s tyres were in better shape), if Seb had attacked they would both ruin their tyres, if he had slowed down to get some free air Lewis would overtake him. so if mark had let him past, and pitted immediately, Seb would have free air to put in laptimes and Mark would still be in front of Lewis after the stops
Lorin Despiegelaere (@lorin123)
24th March 2013, 10:39
I wouldn’t say he “asked” for team orders at all. He demanded his team to take care of his business for him, using an extremely condescending tone. Not a good look for him!
Sumedh
24th March 2013, 10:39
+2!
I remember the praise Webber got for Silverstone 2011. Praise for Vettel today for doing the same..
bookgrub (@bookgrub)
24th March 2013, 10:48
In 2011 team orders were illegal.
All Vettel has shown today is that he puts himself ahead of the team. There are a lot of people who work for Red Bull F1 who will not be at all impressed by that attitude, nor as quick to forgive as yourself.
MNM101 (@mnm101)
24th March 2013, 10:51
In 2011 team orders were legal
bookgrub (@bookgrub)
24th March 2013, 22:47
My mistake – thought they reintroduced them in 2012!
geekracer2000 (@geekracer2000)
24th March 2013, 10:55
Ha! He was put on the spot there, no way he would acknowledge Rosberg otherwise.
Tim Hutchinson (@darak)
24th March 2013, 10:17
My key takeaways from the race:
1) The Lotuses were not strong in the wet, similar to Q3. Is that a car issue or a setup issue?
2) Red Bull’s team radio about gaps and the tires were interesting. It sounds like within a 2second or so gap of the car in front tire wear increases.
3) It’ll be interesting to see if the RB/Merc team conflicts flares up again later in the season. Reminiscent of a certain Turkey race. Hopefully “Multi 21” is the new “Not bad for a number two driver eh?”
4) A bit anticlimactic finish after an incredible 40 or so laps. Hard to judge the performance of RB vs. Mercedes given the difference at the end compared to how close they were initially. Would have been incredible if Alonso was still going.
My speculation:
I’m wonder if we’re seeing a couple teams on the borders of tire temperatures and wear. If the Lotus generates less heat into the tire but then can’t heat the inters enough, it would explain their wet performance. It could also explain why Red Bull were concerned about the gaps. When you get into the dirty air behind a car, the tires will get less cooling. Pure speculation and I have actual evidence for any of that.
BaKano (@bakano)
24th March 2013, 11:02
My opinion is that pace from Lotus on the wet is not extraordinary but too early to say it is bad. However that together with the starting position, killed their race. They made one less pit stop but unlike Melbourne the pace here reflected that (just see how much time Massa gained on them with new Medium tyres), but the time lost in the initial part of the race hurt them throughout the race. Because they spent the majority of it fighting with the pack, could never stretch their legs and used the tyres due to it.
If they are to fight for race wins, they need to rise up their game in qualifying.
Wallbreaker (@wallbreaker)
24th March 2013, 10:18
Everyone’s talking about the heat in Malaysia but there was some ice age on the podium today.
Aish Heydrich (@aish)
24th March 2013, 10:22
What do you mean Ice Age on podium? damn I missed the podium, sounds like the only interesting part I missed today.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 10:43
try to find it on youtube, it was certainly worth watching.
LosD (@losd)
24th March 2013, 11:18
Remember the 2010 Turkey podium? This was almost worse.
Klaas (@klaas)
24th March 2013, 11:39
I agree, it’s like they were at a funeral not a celebration. Not even a smile.
What an anticlimatic finish to a race that was expected to be sooo exciting. I think (hope) this race will get the lowest rating this season.
The only good thing about this race was Bianchi – his 13th place could ensure Marussia’s 10th place in the WCC. In a race with so many retirements it was essential to finish in front of the Caterhams. Bravo Jules! Driver of the weekend for me.
paul flinders
24th March 2013, 10:19
Feel so sorry for mark webber. Did everything right in the race and for the TEAM!!! just a shame vettel didnt.!!!!
ngelo
24th March 2013, 10:19
seb was greedy
ScuderiaVincero (@scuderiavincero)
24th March 2013, 10:20
Probably the most tension between podium finishers since Senna and Prost. O.O
Antonio Nartea (@tony031r)
24th March 2013, 13:56
I can recall certain Schumacher-Villeneuve or Schumacher-Hakkinen moments, but yeah. Someone turned the rivalry up a notch this season.
carbon_fibre (@carbon_fibre)
24th March 2013, 10:20
Don’t be such cry babies, guys.Yes, Nico deserved 3rd place ,Hamilton admitted that. It is not like Mercedes is going to win a championship.Rosberg only lost 3 points.Plus, its very early in the season.We didn’t get to see one overtake between two strong team mates ,so what?
Team orders are part of the game. Get over it.
q85
24th March 2013, 10:58
if it was team orders for the good of the team why didnt lewis stay behind when nico passed him?? Nico was quicker.
It was ‘lewis is no.1, nico whoever you are stay put boy’
Team orders are fine. But that was team orders that made the team suffer. And like you say if they arent going to win title then why not let nico have ago at the RBR?
Jason (@jason12)
24th March 2013, 20:51
‘Let Nico go at the RBRs’ – really??
It was obvious to the team and everyone else, but you, that Nico was never gonna catch the Redbulls.
ivz (@ivz)
24th March 2013, 10:20
Lesson learnt for Ferrari. Alonso would have been luckier if the whole wing broke off early, and lost a heap of time driving back to the pits and being forced to take on a new wing, at least he would have still been in the race. He of all people knows it only takes a few points to lose a championship. Had it been just the end plate that fell off or something, yeah, keep going until they need to pit for slicks, but with the wing hanging off like that, far too risky. Its amazing that he managed to keep in front of Webber for almost a whole lap! That was also false hope, probably felt like he could have pushed just for an extra lap. Bad call by Ferrari.
Eggry (@eggry)
24th March 2013, 10:21
I don’t know why Alonso stayed out.
Joshua Mesh (@joshua-mesh)
24th March 2013, 10:46
It was the teams call. From the drivers seat it is impossible to see what the damage is like. Alonso probably thought it was minor damage.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 12:48
He would have felt it was far more than minor damage, but still it was the team that should have instructed him to come in, and not risk another lap with his wing hanging only from one pillar.
Malivis (@malivis)
24th March 2013, 10:27
I’m quite frankly surprised they Black & Yellow flag wasn’t shown.
If Alonso was going to pit anyway; no harm no foul.
But forcing him to pit to damage a badly broken piece of his car is exactly what the Black & Yellow is for. Stewards need to be more judicious with this, it could have ended a lot worse.
LosD (@losd)
24th March 2013, 11:20
+1
panache (@panache)
25th March 2013, 8:26
+1
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 10:41
Yep, should have called him in after that first lap instead of taking their chances for another one.
Eggry (@eggry)
24th March 2013, 10:20
the comment of Vettel is disgusting(not deliberately, big mistake, apologies…). I’m pretty sure Red Bull would be never able to tame Vettel because he think he has the immunity while Webber doesn’t. Darker day of Red Bull than Turkey 2010.
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
24th March 2013, 10:30
Even in the radio in the middle of the race he said “he is too slow,Get him out of my way !!!!”,and it was not the case after that Mark responded with a fastest lap of the race
that’s disrespectful for a driver with the experience and the age of Mark Webber
Well this was for some “Moralist” that they will still say “This is ridiculous, Felipe Fernando is faster that you!!!”
NickV (@nickv)
24th March 2013, 10:20
I can see why Mark is so angry, all the times he has had to yield behind Seb and then Seb dosn’t return the favour just once
Mads (@mads)
24th March 2013, 16:28
@nickv
Since when did Webber start to respect team orders?
Malivis (@malivis)
24th March 2013, 10:21
Fair enough from Vettel, honestly.
I lost count of how many times Webber said he would disregard team orders a very long time ago. There isn’t much room for Webber to be on his high horse here.
He made matters even worse on the podium; any chance he had of coming out looking like the bigger man in the eyes of this team was blown away when he accused them of protecting Seb.
MNM101 (@mnm101)
24th March 2013, 10:26
+100
wsrgo (@wsrgo)
24th March 2013, 10:38
+101…
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
24th March 2013, 10:30
You know, I really think Mark was very professional in the interview. I expected him to be far, far, far angrier. How do you think Barrichello or di Resta would’ve reacted? Or Alonso, Hamilton or Vettel himself for that matter?
Aditya (@adityafakhri)
24th March 2013, 10:54
+1
Theoddkiwi (@theoddkiwi)
24th March 2013, 10:30
So when team owner publicaly puts Webber down. When it’s clear Vettel was given a clear and specific in struction to hold position and he ignored it. Webber looks like the bad guy.
Malivis (@malivis)
24th March 2013, 11:11
I believe Webber to look like A bad guy, for two reasons.
1) Ever since 2010, he’s steadfastly said he would ignore team orders and would fight the championship to the wire. Hiding behind “multi-21” is simply being a huge hypocrite. If Seb shouldn’t get the better of team orders because he wants to fight the championship tooth and nail, why should he?
2) He took a dig at the team. A team which (from the sounds of things) was going to reprimand Vettel. It’s then hard for the team to come down on Mark’s side when he’s so very publicly accused them of picking Vettel over him. Which in this instance, seems to be completely wrong. If only he had heard the team radio.
I’m not saying Vettel was a saint here. A more sportsmanlike driver probably wouldn’t have. However, I bet point (1) was definitely in his head, and what racing driver wouldn’t do anything to chase down a fourth consecutive WDC in light of that.
q85
24th March 2013, 11:20
when has he ignored team orders. he could of today by carrying on racing. He lost a second a lap after vettel passed him. He slowed down as per team orders.
David-A (@david-a)
24th March 2013, 13:08
Not sure if serious, but, Silverstone 2011.
LosD (@losd)
24th March 2013, 11:24
Webber lost out BECAUSE he followed team orders, while Vettel didn’t.
The “ignore team orders” is from back when team orders were illegal, where he had every right not to follow them.
David-A (@david-a)
24th March 2013, 13:09
Then MW carried out his words in 2011, the year after the ban was lifted.
MJ4
24th March 2013, 10:35
For all the tough-talking and angry-looking he habitually does, Webber isn’t deserving any more respect than Massa.
As racing drivers, they both forfeited their integrity quite some time ago, and are ultimately lackeys to their teammates.
The only difference is that Massa deals with this and maintains his self-esteem through denial, Webber through attitude.
Dion (@infinitygc)
24th March 2013, 10:39
+1
SD (@sd)
24th March 2013, 11:37
Webber slowed down and turned the engine down after being assured by the team twice that Seb would not overtake him; also, webber mentioned that teammates decide what to do in a particular scenario before the race. Seb completely ignored what was agreed upon. btw, if it was fairplay from vettel, y do u think he apologised so many times?
carbon_fibre (@carbon_fibre)
24th March 2013, 10:23
As a Ferrari fan I’ve got to say I’m shocked by the result. Wow.
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
24th March 2013, 10:27
After everything that Red Bull has done for Vettel, from the backing in junior series to giving him a car capable of winning his 3 titles. The first time they ask him to do something for his team mate he just ignores them. What an awfully bad team player and risrespectful human being. Hope they sack him (as if).
Traverse (@)
24th March 2013, 10:33
But that same fervour and selfishness is what makes him a fast, race winning, 3-time WDC.
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
24th March 2013, 10:37
We’ll see if the team thinks so!
Traverse (@)
24th March 2013, 10:53
The team won’t do anything to upset Vet, after all, they don’t want to lose him do they…
Aimal (@aimalkhan)
24th March 2013, 10:41
A car which is .7 faster than the rest of the grid makes him 3X WDC.
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:46
Ah, that’s right, RBR’s only been running one of those for the past few years.
Seriously, even if they had the dominant car, Vettel still soundly beat that grumpy dude next to him on the podium today. Which says all you need to know about the VET/WEB “relationship”.
wsrgo (@wsrgo)
24th March 2013, 10:59
+1
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th March 2013, 10:39
@oel-f1
Oh, just, come on! Just watch Hungary 2010 again. Vettel sacrificed his 1st place there to help Webber, ended up 3rd and yet he didn’t throw his toys out of the pram speaking to the press. What has Webber ever done for Vettel besides moving over in Brazil last year (after squeezing him at the start)? Webber has moral regarding this matter, he ignored team orders too when asked to hold station.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th March 2013, 10:40
*Webber has no moral
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
24th March 2013, 10:49
In Hungary what Vettel did was just stupid, do you really think he dropped back to help Webber? Did the team tell him to? No way! It was a plain error from his side. And what Webber has done for Vettel? Giving him his front wing…
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th March 2013, 11:07
Yes, yes he did. Do you really think he would have brain-faded behind the safety car? There was a feature by Mark Hughes on Autosport at the end of 2010 explaining what happened.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 12:51
Well, I would say stretching it out FAR too much was a bit of a brain fade, even though its very probably that the team did ask him to give Webber room, it shouldn’t have been that much @guilherme
NickV (@nickv)
24th March 2013, 10:41
@oel-f1 I totally agree but as Mark said Vettel always gets protection……
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
24th March 2013, 10:51
Unfortunately yes he always does.
AceofSpades (@aceofspades)
24th March 2013, 10:27
I can’t actually fault Ross Brawn for his actions today, much as I disagree with them. He was essentially caught between a rock and a hard place. No matter what he did, both of his drivers would have felt cheated of something.
For Hamilton, it’s not his fault he was underfuelled and had to coast to the end. The team told him to push during the middle of the race, and he did exactly what they told him to do. If they’d asked him to let Rosberg go, he’d feel disadvantaged due to no fault of his own.
On Rosberg’s side, however, he had the pace. He didn’t need to conserve anything. So he obviously felt cheated by not being able to pass his much slower team mate.
The question for Brawn in the end boils down to this: which of his drivers can take a hit to his ego with the least amount of fallout?
Alex (@)
24th March 2013, 10:38
You seem to be suggesting that Brawn didn’t think Hamilton was mature enough to cope with being overtaken. If that was the case, I don’t think he’d have hired him.
I suspect it was hard-headed points maximisation. They don’t think that Rosberg will be hunting for the Drivers’ Championship, and so – just like at Ferrari – they are happy to sacrifice his points.
AceofSpades (@aceofspades)
24th March 2013, 10:48
But here you see to imply that Mercedes believes Rosberg isn’t good enough for the championship.
Alex (@)
24th March 2013, 11:01
I believe Mercedes think Hamilton is a better bet than Rosberg, and therefore they want to focus all their efforts on him.
Why do you think Brawn made the decision?
AceofSpades (@aceofspades)
24th March 2013, 11:40
I believe that Hamilton would have taken it less well than Rosberg, but then so saying, he did surprise me by being very apologetic about it on the podium. I guess at the end of the day, all we have is pure speculation, and not much to base it on…
dirgegirl (@dirgegirl)
24th March 2013, 10:53
Or there is something contractual that they can fall back on with regard to Hamilton’s status in the team.
I think the “it’s not his fault he was under-fuelled” is not likely to be the team’s excuse for keeping Marigold behind him.
BasCB (@bascb)
24th March 2013, 12:57
Maybe we should just get a bit calmed down here and look at what we know. The team had certainly short-fuelled Hamilton, as he had been told to save fuel already quite early on. They were finding themselves right on the back of the Red Bulls until the guys started dicing for position, then started dropping back, while at the same time they were having to save fuel and tyres.
Also consider, that this was a bit of a new situation for the team (we have seen a fierce battle between Rosberg and Schumi 2 years back, I think it was in spa? and that did not end all too good, even though both did finish, one of them lost a position to someone else) and here they are, going for the best points haul since this team was under the Mercedes banner. Knowing Ross, he was always going to tell his drivers to hold station. I am pretty sure it was not as much about Hamilton being in front (it might have been a factor though) but about making sure both finish and get those 27 points on the board.
Personally I do not agree that is right, and I hope to not see them doing it again (as Hamilton was not too happy with it, and Rosberg certainly wasn’t). On the other hand Rosberg did do what he could to have the order overturned and we might have even been robbed of seeing him take the fight to the Red Bulls.
clappy (@danielc)
24th March 2013, 10:43
Dude great post , im a massive Ham fan , although I truly feel for Rosberg you can understand why the did it.
RL
24th March 2013, 10:28
how will Marko defend this one for Vettel? The problem is that you can’t really ‘punish’ your number one driver for that, can you? The FIA won’t be taking any actions, and it only makes the Webber-Vettel relationship go from frosty to Antarctica.
S.J.M (@sjm)
24th March 2013, 10:31
As much as i feel bad for Mark (and I really do) and dislike Vettel. I cant help but think, somewhere in him, Webber must have known that at some point something like this was going to happen (again).
He must have known, when signing each contract extension, that the team favours Vettel and would defend him and he must know Seb well enough to know his character. Every F1Fanatic knows Vettel can be a petulant little child, who can throw his toys out of the pram when things are not going his way. We also know how RBR are willing to give Vettel a wing from Webbers very own car, Mark knew that happened too! So why, oh why is this such a shock to Mark Webber? Yes, RBR have consistently produced one of the best cars on the grid over the past 4 years, and yes he has a chance of a title there. But he must have weighed all this up before signing on the dotted line? Was it worth it? having someone like Seb, with all the immunities that the team gives him as a team mate from the team? I’m not sure it is. But I’m not Mark Webber.
This whole situation is different to the German GP with Ferrari, Team orders was illegal at the time, but not now and that changes everything about it. Vettel is now in the shoes filled once by the likes of Didier Pironi, RBR is going to be a divided team and you can be damn sure that 2 races in, Webber wont be making the mistake of listening to any orders his team gives him with Vettel is up his gearbox. Vettel in comparison might have just compromised his WDC hunt as he could be flying solo for the next 17 races. If you was Webber, would you support him?
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
24th March 2013, 10:41
Vettel won three championships without help from Webber, I think he’s plenty fast to make it four by October.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
24th March 2013, 10:48
@sjm I really dislike picking at someone else’s comment, but…
We also know how RBR are willing to give Vettel a wing from Webbers very own car
It is only my opinion, but to me, the wing was Red Bull’s and they give it to whoever they want. And if memory serves me right, Webber said the prefered the earlier spec, but he really plays the media really well when it comes to controversies.
Uhn, I don’t get it. Vettel ignored the team orders, Red Bull didn’t instruct them to swap places.
When has he ever listened to team orders?
S.J.M (@sjm)
24th March 2013, 11:13
Silverstone 2011 for one.
Mike Dee (@mike-dee)
24th March 2013, 11:35
no, he did not and he said so. He was told to maintain the gap but he didn’t. He tried to overtake VET but did not manage.
David-A (@david-a)
24th March 2013, 13:12
@sjm – I got a good laugh out of that.
Mads (@mads)
24th March 2013, 16:38
@sjm
Ehhmm… yeah right… read this.
https://www.racefans.net/2011/07/10/webber-red-bulls-order-pass-vettel/
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
24th March 2013, 10:47
As much i was disappointed with the result and my favorite driver was off in the first lap, as i’m happy that the war in the Red Bull garage is back, i mean if Seb hold his position and let Mark win then Mark must return the favor to Seb and it will probably be the support at the end of the season in the fight for WDC, but Seb didn’t hold his position and has ignored team orders so we can say that “he dug his own grave” , if he is going to fight for WDC, he has to make it a la 2011 otherwise Mark will be a serious headache for him.
suka (@suka)
24th March 2013, 10:59
Don’t worry, Dr. Marko is there to regulate. Nothing new, nothing will change. If Ferrari or Mercedes want to win, they need tho hire the guy.
QuantumForce42 (@quantumforce42)
24th March 2013, 10:55
Rosberg deserved the podium after helping Merc develop the car for the last 3 years along with Schumacher. Feel bad for him. To lose out to the new guy because of orders.
Vettel is paid to go faster compared to everyone else. That is what he did. Nothing wrong with it.
My respect for both drivers just went up.
LosD (@losd)
24th March 2013, 11:38
Vettel and Webber was told to hold position and turn their engines down to save them for later.
He did the opposite, cheated his teammate for a podium in the process and your respect went UP?
W…T…F…?
QuantumForce42 (@quantumforce42)
24th March 2013, 11:43
They get paid to race. Not to give a procession.
When drivers follow orders we complain. When they don’t we complain. I say, at least it gave entertainment.
Jason (@jason12)
24th March 2013, 21:06
Yep, entertainment and insight into Vettel’s personality.
Force Maikel (@force-maikel)
24th March 2013, 11:17
I am simply disgusted with vettels behavior out on the track today. Demanding like an emperor to have his team-mate removed out of the way in a disrespectful manor. Mark clearly had the measure on him today and he should have respected that. The team asked their drivers to turn down their engines to save them since they only have 8 of them for an entire season. Sebastian arrogantly ignored them and went on like a raging bull to get his way. Perhaps he was disappointed they didn’t let him past earlier in the race? Still no excuse can justify his actions today. Webber defended brilliantly and before any of you make comparisons between the Schumacher-Barichello incident in 2010, think again Webber was going in a straight line and when seb was on his tail he made his one move to cover the inside expecting seb to dive to the left. Vettel made a dangerous move into a very small gap. I know there isn’t a penalty for crossing the white line form the race track but I think there definitely should be one. Imagine if someone just came out of the pits and suddenly one of those bull crosses right into side of a car. Imagine the carnage that would follow! I am also happy to see the team openly criticized him on the team radio and also neweys response to him in the waiting room. He even had the courage when Mark came in that he tried to speak to him. Mark clearly wasn’t in the mood seb! Webbers response was loud an clear: “Multi 21, seb?”
I can only come to one conclusion on Sebastian Vettel today: Unworthy behavior form a triple formula one world champion!
This is the longest rant I have ever written on F1 fanatic, just shows you how angry I am at the moment. Perhaps when I have cooled down a bit later on I might see some more perspective!
Rant over…..
Eggry (@eggry)
24th March 2013, 11:22
http://youtu.be/DJrctaOrjvk
the middle finger.
medicine_man (@vettel81)
24th March 2013, 11:25
I think reading your comments is much more fun than watching the race itself. Legends are always controversial and dividing. Watch the best movies and see that heroes choose not to follow orders for the (so believed and sometimes their own) greater good. History repeats itself and great characters will always be popular in one war or another. I wish Rosberg had made the move on Hamilton just as anyone expected.
medicine_man (@vettel81)
24th March 2013, 11:26
*way*
Jason (@jason12)
24th March 2013, 21:10
He did, a couple of times actually.
gdewilde (@gdewilde)
24th March 2013, 11:26
What…A….Race! Drama, close wheel-to-wheel stuff, silly mistakes by drivers and teams and in the and a podium that should have been a little bit different Imo.
– The Webber/Vettel-show continues and it is reaching a boiling point that will cost the team dearly later in the season (mark my words!). I thought it was bad-ass of Vettel to ignore the team, but if it was a fight between a turned down engine and a car on harder, more worn rubber VS a crazy German and fresher medium rubber, then I revise my judgement about Vettel from unlikeable to super-unlikeable. Why Unlikeable? maybe it’s because of the whining over the radio if he is stuck behind another car or maybe because of the psychopathic (lacked empathy) message earlier in this race “Mark is too slow. Get him out of the way. That sounded almost like he wanted the team to take there rocket launcher an blow Webber away… really disgusted by that message..
– Rosberg/Hamilton: if you let Hamilton use all of his fuel early in a race than you have to face it that he will run out of fuel later in the race (aha!). So if you get caught by your own team mate, it’s only normal you have to face the fact that Rosberg should have had the GO to race and not having to keep his foot just 90% on the throttle ==> he couldn’t have passed Hamilton in the end?? I’m sure he would have done it if Ross had said they could race…
– Jenson: sad, just sad! I always shiver when a McLaren has to pit.. And today my fear became real ones again!
– Alonso: 2 mistakes in one lap? that’s a rare thing to see ;-)
Val
24th March 2013, 11:28
I thought it was a good race to watch with so many battles going on. But can someone explain me what happened o the Lotuses ??? The were pretty quick at one stage(think middle stint) and then their pace dropped off. I cant think how Raikkonen in all practice session looked good and then lose that performance drastically in race!
^Mo^
24th March 2013, 11:43
It’s funny to see many people slating Vettel for his move. If the situation was different, and Webber would’ve ignored team orders, he would’ve been applauded for it. Or even if he would stay in position, Red Bull would be slated for using team orders. It’s all got to do with likability in my opinion. Webber is the underdog in the team (and probably the more likable character), and people like an underdog. Webber winning would be a popular win, except the WDC is not a popularity contest, and nice guys hardly ever finish first.
As a fan I don’t give a flying *beep* about team orders and want to see proper racing. A battle between two different cars is great, but between team mates just gives that extra bit of excitement. I’m sure the team doesn’t like it, and I’m sure Webber is livid. But I was kind of happy to see that Vettel went for it, and I was kind of disappointed Rosberg didn’t.
HK (@me4me)
24th March 2013, 12:16
Funny, I see no reason for the team to blame Vettel for anything he did besides his risky move close to the pitwall. Afterall, in the middle of the race, at a stage where Vettel was faster then Webber, the team told him “calm down, it’s a long race”. In my mind, that means “take it easy, there will be a change to pass him later in the race”. For Redbull to than say you can’t pass cause there are only a few laps left is plain stupid. If you tell your driver such a thing over the radio, let him race. And let Webber know he’s going to be under pressure. I think neither drivers did anything wrong. The team did.
mifd
24th March 2013, 13:26
I would expect any driver who wants to take the lead in the middle of a race to work for it, not demand the driver in front move over. Especially when webber responded immediately by quickening the pace and setting fast lap. Strategy orders from teams about conserving tyres, fuel and engines are understandable and necessary considering the regulations but I think if vettel chose to ignore the team’s orders to bring both cars home in one piece and conserve the engines for future races then webber should have been allowed to turn his engine setting back to max as well to make it an even fight.
wsrgo (@wsrgo)
24th March 2013, 13:15
Let’s look at the other things. Massa’s late charge was remarkable…the way he homed in on Grosjean at 5 seconds a lap was mesmerising. Raikkonen had an off-weekend. The Finn was 2012-esque in his wheel-to-wheel tentativeness..he took too long to pass Perez and Hulkenberg. The German had a pretty good weekend, finishing 8th. Button could have finished in the top-5, but McLaren pit curse struck again and the team wisely decided to retire the car. Valtteri Bottas had a solid afternoon, finishing just outside the points. Jules Bianchi put on another stellar show after a poor start, and was once again, the king of the backmarkers.
Oh, and how can I forget Hamilton jumping into the McLaren pit box? Old habits die hard…
sl300forf1 (@sl300forf1)
24th March 2013, 16:40
I don’t blame Vettel for victory. But couple of things, first as employee you should obey your employer and he did not do that. Neither did Webber in Silverstone 2011. Then the spirit of motor racing is try to pass and the leader should set the pace and Webber failed. I cannot believe excuses like the engine was at 80 % performance and so on. If Senna, Prost, Schumacher and other greats were there, they would have dobe exactly the same Vettel did. Vettel, Rosberg and Alosnso must stop the boyish comments “I am faster, do sth”, ” It is ridiculous” etc. Helmut Marko made a j*** of himself (he certainly is) by finger pointing at Mercedes about no.1 or no.2 status. And finally, Webber want to be WDC? he should find another team. This team is now Vettels.
Hairs (@hairs)
24th March 2013, 17:52
I think the Sky crew got this one dead on. Hamilton clearly has some hold over the pecking order in his contract. Brawn has no incentive to keep Rosberg behind, he gains no advantage from it. Hamilton knew he was in fuel saving mode and could have let Rosberg past without any sort of conflict.
Instead, Rosberg was screwed over for PR benefit of having Hamilton on the podium for Mercedes.
As for Vettel, he was quite happy with the idea of team orders when he thought they would benefit him , i.e. moving Webber over so he could get past. When they didn’t suit him, he ignored them.
Both Lewis and Vettel behaved awfully today. It was nothing to do with “being a racer” or “having some balls”, or anything like that. It was about stealing an unfair advantage when it’s available, and behaving like a spoiled child when it isn’t.
“Racing is Racing”. Yes it is. Which is why Racers don’t need to manipulate team orders to win.
Jason (@jason12)
24th March 2013, 21:16
Please don’t compare Lewis to Vettel….
Lewis is a gentleman.
Jason (@jason12)
24th March 2013, 21:20
So sick of listening to that Martin Brundle and David Coulthard with their bias towards Vettel.
Always making excuses for the guy…..