German Grand Prix

[fiestycolumbian]

I dont think it matters who is the faster car within a team. The rules clearly state NO TEAM ORDERS. Ferrari should be punished. It turns out that $100k is the maximum the Stewards could impose on Ferrari. Wait for the World Council meeting, I think harsher penalties will be handed down. If the FIA are serious about this rule, then expect bigger punishment. If the WC dont come up with a bigger penalty like race bans or points penalties, than all teams will have a precedent to continue team orders. After the backlash from all the fans, the FIA surely cannot let this type of activity to continue. The FIA have to set an example, just like they did with McLaren in 2007.

What a PR blunder by Ferrari, instead of having a 1-2, and Massa winning, who one year to this day was sitting in a coma after a savage accident, they shoot themselves in the foot with a shotgun. I mean, seriously? Ferrari think the world doesnt understand what is going on? How stupid do they view their own fans and worldwide F1 viewers.

I have a lot of sympathy for Massa now. The crybaby in the sister car again gets his way. Stop complaining and pass the car if they are faster. I am glad McLaren rid of this crybaby out of their team.

fiesty

[Steve Gibson]

[quote="dp35"]
Alonso was clearly faster - which can be attributed to his skill, daring, talent, etc. 
[/quote]

Sure. But the win or overtake, which was my point, wasn't gained that way. I think it's poor that Alonso got his extra points over second by being given it, when Webber/Vettel and Hamilton/Button have been proper duels and confirms that all four of them want the points. The McLaren drivers made a better job of racing each other, and the Red Bulls screwed it up when they duelled, but at least they raced each other.

If, as they keep saying, the man you have to beat first is your team mate, that objective becomes a bit of a joke if one lets another through. Maybe Massa and Webber should form a Number 2 Drivers' Club.  ;)

[dp35]

I agree completely that this tactic ruined a good race, and would have much preferred to see it play out.  But this was clearly not the 1st time we've had to endure this crap, from various teams.  Last year Brawn did it to Barichello several times, but never this blatantly.

I agree that Ferrari was dumb to not allow Massa to win.  To think that Alonso can still win the WDC is foolish, and they still would've likely had the 1-2 team finish.

It would be great if the FIA punished Ferrari for this.  But if they do, then in the future they'll just find a less obvious way of orchestrating this sort of thing.  I don't think it can be prevented.  Team tactics exist in all forms of motor racing, especially at the end of a close championship battle.  But never so early and obvious as in F1.

Fiesty - IMO comparing this to Stepneygate is a bit much.

[benyeats]

[quote="dp35"]
Fiesty - IMO comparing this to Stepneygate is a bit much.
[/quote]

I think the punishment he referred to was Stepneygate but the incident was liegate!  The latter having serious consequences for McLaren and some of its top men but not a huge fine.

[fiestycolumbian]

[quote="dp35"]
It would be great if the FIA punished Ferrari for this.  But if they do, then in the future they'll just find a less obvious way of orchestrating this sort of thing.  I don't think it can be prevented.  Team tactics exist in all forms of motor racing, especially at the end of a close championship battle.  But never so early and obvious as in F1.

Fiesty - IMO comparing this to Stepneygate is a bit much.
[/quote]
I agree. Ferrari should have used better tact if they wanted Alonso to win. But they didnt and thus should be penalized for making it so obvious.

My mistake, I didnt intend to compare to Liegate or Stephneygate. I just meant that McLaren have been punished for violating the rules, and rightly so in both occasions. All I am saying is Ferrari cant get away with lying to the Stewards and the public. Its way too obvious. Massa "accidently upshifting 3 times" is a joke of an excuse.

fiesty

[dp35]

Yep I agree Fiesty.  I'd be all for heavy punishment for this if I thought it would really put an end to it.

[Steve Gibson]

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