F1 Update from iSport’s F1 Pitstop: iSporter Avinash Ranganatha attempts to explain Ferrari’s reasons to use team-orders in the German Grand Prix.
At the end of German Grand Prix, there were few upset faces in the paddock along with McLaren drivers. Yes, this time, it was Felipe Massa. Though he finished second, resentment was evident in his face at the press conference.
In spite of leading the race from lap 1 to 49, Massa’s Race Engineer radioed him “Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?” In the next couple of corners, Massa slowed down drastically to let Alonso through. Before this, around lap 20, there was a rant from Alonso over the radio “This is ridiculous”. One thing I don’t understand is, were they racing each other or was it understood that Massa should gift the race to Alonso to start with. It was Austrian GP 2002 déjà vu again where Rubens Barrichello was Ferrari’s victim. There is nothing subtle in the way Ferrari handles its affairs on track. In-fact, it was dirty. It couldn’t be more obvious that they are backing Fernando Alonso for the title.
To be honest, I felt that Massa could have defended his position for few more laps and won the race. But one can also argue that Alonso deserved to win since he was just a little faster than Massa.
While everyone is up in arms against Ferrari, here are my reasons as to why the team orders were justified:
1. Alonso was faster than Massa, however marginal. In the race, qualifying, and over the weekend.
2. Team didn’t want the drivers to take each other out. (being cautious after what happened in Turkey!)
3. Alonso has a realistic chance of chance of catching up with the championship leader.
4. I feel Alonso is a better driver than Massa so; there is an obvious reason to back him up - not to forget 2 times F1 World Champion.
5. Santandar money, which comes with Alonso (I had to add this!!)
But of course it’s a sport and we’d only love to see some clean wheel to wheel racing! Reasons why the team order is not justified
1. It’s banned!
2. Ferrari made it too obvious. If they wanted Alonso to win, they could have brought Massa and gave him a slower pit stop.
3. Massa could have held off Alonso in the closing stages of the race
4. Massa Led from lap one through 49
5. Clear favoritism in the team, which shouldn’t be.
When all’s done, Ferrari and Alonso have come under major fire from FIA as well as the media. To start with, Ferrari was fined $100,000 and has been summoned by the race stewards. Ferrari wisely chose not to appeal against the fine. But the saddest part of the safa was when Fernando played down team orders and said “we work for the team”. We have seen a typical Fernando, ranting if his teammate is ahead of him/faster than him. Nothing against Fernando, he’s a great driver, but this attitude of his is highly unacceptable.
To sum it all up, I have couple of things to say. One, bad leadership in the Ferrari camp. After Jean Todd and Ross brawn left, we haven’t seen able leadership at the helm of Ferrari. It looks like Italians want to take complete control of the team. Secondly, it’s about time somebody should tell Alonso “We know you are two times World Champ, we know you are fast but stop whining if your team mate is a ahead you”. But alas, knowing Ferrari and their snobbish ways I don’t expect to see an improvement in this area ever!
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a guest
said:
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... What bullshit. Todt and brawn brought this culture into Ferrari. And Santander? Really? So can kingfisher BUY a chamionship for one of us? Sahil |
Kunal Shah
said:
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... Well Sahil, not that you can BUY a championship, but a lot of Santander's money is in Ferrari due to Alonso. Infact, that was the deal clincher! They will exit Mclaren by the end of the year. With multi million dollar contracts in question, you wouldn't wanna lose the driver and hence the money!! |
a guest
said:
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... @ Guest... yes, money talks.. Just picture this. If Alonso was in the lead and Aassa closing in, You think Ferrari would have ordered Alonso to Slow down... Not a Chance... |
a guest
said:
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... Ive never liked alonso, hes a douche n i wasnt happy when ferrari signed him but he is easily the best out n out driver out there. massa is always a pouty girl. not that great but not that poor. the only problem with that whole thing was massa. he made it SOOO obvious, during n after. i mean there are so many ways you can fake it but he had to be a little girl about it, n then after he was even more pathetic. yes its a shame he didnt take pole but heck if he didnt want to give up the spot why did he?! What is ferrari gonna do? put u in a dark cellar n whip u?! Why i dont feel sorry is because ferraris decision was solely championship based. n everyone saying it is wrong is such a hypocrite since EVERYONE does it they just do it like some of you suggest- via bad pit, "minor engine/transmission/etc problems". I think ferrari should get rid of massa n get kubica like they should have. If there was no favouritism it would be chaos- see red bull this year, n brawn last year. teams cant concentrate on both cars! With all this said im glad massa came out ok from the accident that was insanely close. |
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