Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:04 pm  

First race feedback:

Red Bull look terrific on single lap pace, but not over the longer runs on full fuel. Some work to be done there, and Webber's starts just aren't getting any better.

Lotus are much as last year, not hot on single lap qualifying but over the longer runs their race pace is impressive. Mechanically consistent too. If Grosjean can keep it out of the barriers they could be a threat for the constructors

Ferrari look much better at the start of this season than they did last, seem to have a car that both drivers can work with.

Mercedes remain a work in progress, despite being third on the grid I'm sure Hamilton will be happy enough with fifth.

McLaren. Oh dear. Do they just shut the factory between November and February? Second year in a row they've designed a dog of car that's neither quick in single lap or race pace. Perez must be wondering what he's let himself in for here.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:55 pm  

ferrari always seem to improve as the season goes on so the omens are good

mclaren simply not good enough - may as well have used last years car

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:29 am  

Those Red Bull drivers like racing against each other don't they? Blimey...

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:24 am  

Lawrie L wrote:

Those Red Bull drivers like racing against each other don't they? Blimey...

Good job Hamilton didn't end up there with Vettel. Would have taken each other out.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:16 pm  

Will be interesting how Webber responds after 3 weeks off. Given it was before the end I'm surprised they didn't plead with Vettel to let him back into 1st

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 2:16 pm  

Vettel really has a nasty streak in him, even Horner was disappointed in him today.

Does make you wonder if there could be a power change in the team...everything was geared towards Vettel, but if he continues acting like a d******d and it somehow effects the Global Red Bull brand the engineers and management may swing behind Webber.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 2:25 pm  

ST_CONROY wrote:

Will be interesting how Webber responds after 3 weeks off. Given it was before the end I'm surprised they didn't plead with Vettel to let him back into 1st

That is a question that I wish someone would ask Horner. He admits Vettel was wrong to overtake so why not in the remaining 12/13 laps didn't Horner as the guy in charge get on the radio and DEMAND Vettel give the place back to Webber. Horner is coming out saying how disappointed he is about the situation but he had plently of time to fix it in the race. He's as responsible and as guilty as Vettel in this, he clearly wanted Vettel to win.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 3:10 pm  

Red Bull is entirely geared to Vettel. Webber is just there to pick up a few points and help them in the constructors.

Marko and Matterschitz are the power at Red Bull, not Horner. If he does anything that adversely affects Vettel, he'll be out and they'll just get a new team principal.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 3:59 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Red Bull is entirely geared to Vettel. Webber is just there to pick up a few points and help them in the constructors.

Marko and Matterschitz are the power at Red Bull, not Horner. If he does anything that adversely affects Vettel, he'll be out and they'll just get a new team principal.

Granted, I understand that bit and even Horner's answers I expect from the questions he's been asked, just wish the reporters would ask him sterner questions. Watched the BBC interview with Suzi Perry, she seemed scared to upset him with anything too stern, very powderpuff interviewing.

Re: Formula One 2013 : Sun Mar 24, 2013 4:22 pm  

ThePrinter wrote:

That is a question that I wish someone would ask Horner. He admits Vettel was wrong to overtake so why not in the remaining 12/13 laps didn't Horner as the guy in charge get on the radio and DEMAND Vettel give the place back to Webber. Horner is coming out saying how disappointed he is about the situation but he had plently of time to fix it in the race. He's as responsible and as guilty as Vettel in this, he clearly wanted Vettel to win.

Exactly. Or why didn't Webber's engineer tell him that it appeared Vettel was ignoring the instructions (presumably he never turned his engine down/backed off etc) and to be aware, if for no reason but to avoid any collision? -admittedly I suppose this could have happened but we didn't hear it.

As you say much tougher questions could have been asked. Horner should be sacked as he clearly cannot control his own team, and all he had to say to Seb was "this is silly".