2015 Australian Grand Prix team radio highlights

2015 Australian Grand Prix

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A faulty fuel read-out caused a minor scare for Lewis Hamilton as he romped to victory in the Australian Grand Prix.

Team mate Nico Rosberg was also trying to find out how much fuel was in Hamilton’s car – but had to be told the team couldn’t let him know because of the FIA’s restrictions on the content of radio messages.

It was a frustrating weekend for the Renault-engined cars – not just Red Bull but Toro Rosso as well, and rookie Max Verstappen made his dissatisfaction with the power unit clear during practice.

Life was even more difficult at McLaren. Jenson Button tried to bring some cheer to the team at the end of the race after they were the only team to see the chequered flag but fail to score a point. Earlier on during practice Button had also pointed out an encouraging early sign of the MP4-30’s cornering performance.

Review highlights of some of the notable team messages broadcast during the Australian Grand Prix weekend below.

First practice

SessonFromToMessage
FP1Max VerstappenXevi PujolarThe engine is breaking down a lot.
FP1Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsThe level of power is really low.
FP1Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanOK copy that, we will have a look.
FP1Tony RossNico RosbergYou can do a normal-paced in-lap, Nico.
FP1Nico RosbergTony RossWhat does ‘normal’ mean? Push?
FP1Tony RossNico RosbergAffirm, push.
FP1Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceI’ve got a lot of limiter action on up-shifts. The brake judder is still there, not so good.
FP1Nico RosbergTony RossNote: No out-lap page
FP1Tony RossNico RosbergCopy, copy. So tyre temps are ten all around. Brakes starting to come up.
FP1Nico RosbergTony RossActually, correction, I do have it, it just doesn’t indicate the gear learning. So, correction, I do have the out-lap page.
FP1Nico RosbergTony RossNote: I’m doing a bad job with the engine management. Keep an eye on that, keep pushing me.
FP1Tony RossNico RosbergCopy, copy.
FP1Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasAnd obviously the wind as you said is having an effect. What woul;d you say, trying to ignore the wind, would be the main balance limitation of the car at the moment.
FP1Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsFor me it’s both understeer and oversteer because turn one was particularly oversteery, then turn three I’m losing a lot of time because of understeer. It’s the same, changing corner by corner, so I really cannot choose one.
FP1Max VerstappenXevi PujolarI went off in turn one, that’s why that was not good.
FP1Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenUnderstood, copy that, we saw that.
FP1Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis practice pit entry but we will use these tyres again, make sure the magic is cancelled.
FP1Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieThe drive-ability’s really tricky. Tip-in’s really aggressive.
FP1Nico RosbergTony RossNeed to practice the start because putting the throttle down is very different, the throttle map is very different, so I’m not doing very good starts at the moment.
FP1Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis you’ve taken the flag so just watch out for the Virtual Safety Car.
FP1Max VerstappenXevi PujolarIt’s almost impossible to drive with this engine!
FP1Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenCopy that.

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Second practice

SessonFromToMessage
FP2Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensReally strange feeling on the brakes.
FP2Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonOK, copy that.
FP2Nico RosbergTony RossDRS does not work.
FP2Tom StallardKevin MagnussenMagnussen crashed at turn six.
Kevin are you OK?
FP2Kevin MagnussenTom StallardYeah I’m completely fine.
FP2Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensThe shifts are very slow.
FP2Jenson ButtonMark TempleI seem to have got a lot of understeer in the car, a lot of understeer.
FP2Nico RosbergTony RossI have no information on the gears, again the out-lap page didn’t work I believe. I need to know that before the start.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThe front was a little bit better now but still not ideal. And also not very good lap but it’s going in the right direction.
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK copy, understood Kimi.
FP2Mark TempleJenson ButtonJenson we lost a bit of time starting the session late, I suggest if you’ve got a feel or this that we box and we’ll do the rear wing gurney and we’ll get onto the option tyre.
FP2Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonSauber did not run in first practice and in the second session Ericsson limped back to the pits with an obvious suspension problem.
OK the smoke is coming from the tyre, Marcus, it’s rubbing on the bodywork. If you can make it back, we can make it back.
FP2Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensYeah I can make it back really slow.
FP2Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonOK, copy that.
FP2Pastor MaldonadoMark SladeThere is no more power.
FP2Mark SladePastor MaldonadoOK Pastor, we need to box.
FP2Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceWe should go soon before we hit some long-runners.
FP2Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergThat’s true Nico but we’ve got a bit of an issue, just sorting out the front wing. I’d rather get that right.
FP2Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceHaving been delayed in joining the track for his run on the soft tyres, Hulkenberg didn’t feel the need to do an extra lap one them.
I’m going to box this lap.
FP2Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergYou don’t want to see if the tyres get any better for the final one? I don’t mind, it’s up to you.
FP2Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceI’m pretty sure they don’t.
FP2Tony RossNico RosbergFeedback on the start, box for another start.
FP2Nico RosbergTony RossStart was very good, just a little bit too much wheel spin later on for some reason.
FP2Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThat start was worse. Under-engaged.
FP2Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceWhat have you done with the aero balance?
FP2Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergThe aero balance has been left as is, unchanged from previous run.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThe clutch is doing it again. I don’t know, are you guys putting it in the wrong position or we have some issue with it?
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK understood, we’ll have a look.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodNow the front wing feels better but maybe it would OK to take a half out. Or shall we leave it, what do you think?
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenLet’s remove a half, Kimi. We’ll remove a half.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodYeah.
FP2Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrYellow turn 15.
FP2Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaYes it was me.
FP2Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrAh yes, I saw you.
FP2Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatSo pace update Dany, we’re looking for mid-to-low 1’33s.
FP2Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHamilton was puzzled by his car’s handling on the first day, when he was slower than Rosberg.
Yeah, something doesn’t make sense.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodHow is the lap time?
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenLast lap was half a second quicker than Vettel. Obviously he’s on the other tyre.
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK Kimi update on pace: Very similar pace to Bottas at the minute, sometimes we’re slightly quicker, sometimes we’re slightly slower, but very similar.
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenAnd fuel seven, Kimi, fuel seven, it’s quite severe fuel saving.
FP2Mark TempleJenson ButtonAnd Jenson Orange E10 is the map for lift-and-coast.
FP2Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasStop fuel-save.
FP2Tim WrightSergio PerezDeg is still low. Pace compared to Ferrari, we are closer on long run than short run.
FP2Jenson ButtonMark TempleI lost a lot of power.
FP2Mark TempleJenson ButtonOK Jenson we’re looking at it. OK we need to box please, cool the car.
FP2Jenson ButtonMark TempleThat was actually quite interesting with other cars on the circuit. I know it’s the second-slowest car to us but the Force India was struggling to keep up through corners.
FP2Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonAnd give us feedback on the start.
FP2Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt was good.
FP2Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceI have a very good rhythm and felt quite comfy. Stability was quite OK for once.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodOK radio check
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK loud and clear, Kimi, loud and clear.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodI cannot hear you, it’s not loud enough, I cannot hear you at all.
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK, understood, switch back to normal radio if you can hear me.
FP2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodIt’s pointless to have this radio when it’s like this, it doesn’t help at all, it’s just carrying a weight. Either we fix it or we take it out.
FP2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnderstood.

Third practice

SessonFromToMessage
FP3Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseSomething is wrong with the engine. It was pushing me a lot in the braking.
FP3Tony RossNico RosbergThese are new brakes so just warm the brakes up on the install, just make sure everything’s working OK. We’ve also got a new plank fitted, I’ll remind you again.
FP3Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoPoor power delivery from the Renault engine blighted Red Bull all weekend.
How is the engine under braking?
FP3Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieBraking’s OK just throttle. Really bad drive-ability.
FP3Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK, understood.
FP3Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieBox this lap. Drive-ability’s really bad.
FP3Nico RosbergTony RossNot able to use ERS out of the last corner.
FP3Jenson ButtonMark TempleThe balance isn’t there, we’ve got too much oversteer.
FP3Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseYeah I was a lot down in sector one because of the yellow. And drive-ability is quite on the edge.
FP3Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelIt’s not clear what Vettel is referring to here – presumably he felt he was held up by Hamilton during one of the Friday sessions.
Watch for Hamilton behind you.
FP3Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiDo you think we should pay back for yesterday?
FP3Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK what do you feel now?
FP3Max VerstappenXevi PujolarIt’s just pushing and I can’t rotate the car.
FP3Max VerstappenXevi PujolarI come in now, this is not good.
FP3Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenCopy that.
FP3Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonWith less than 20 minutes to go, Ericsson spun at the exit of turn 12 without hitting anything.
Marcus, you OK?
FP3Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensYeah, all OK.
FP3Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonCar is fine, question?
FP3Marcus EricssonErik SchuivensWe need to box, the tyres are done.
FP3Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonCopy, box this lap.
FP3Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoI had a little bit more front grip but as the run went on, just started to hurt the rears, late entry.
FP3Nico RosbergTony RossA lot of problems with the engine like hesitations when I’m shifting from fourth to fifth gear.
FP3Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenHow is the balance now?
FP3Max VerstappenXevi PujolarIt’s still very difficult. Sometimes oversteer, sometimes understeer. But I didn’t push like it should be in my fastest lap just because I wanted to make a clean lap.

Qualifying

SessonFromToMessage
Q1Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieLocked the left-front in turn 15. Not sure why, lost me a lot of grip. Drive-ability’s worse than P3.
Q1Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThe vibration is pretty big on these tyres.
Q1Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsWhat time do we need?
Q1Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasWe need another half second if we can.
Q1Mark TempleJenson ButtonThe McLarens were the slowest cars to set times and were eliminated in Q1 along with the Manors, which did not run, and Marcus Ericsson’s Sauber.
Jenson we leapfrogged Kevin there but unfortunately we are half-a-tenth slower than Ericsson and out.
Q2Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergThe tyres have cooled down in the garage so you’re going to have to really work at making temperature in those. They’re lower than desired.
Q2Nico RosbergTony RossProblem with the engine it cuts into turn 15 on the entry in second gear.
Q2Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodAre we going out again?
Q2David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenI think we’re getting ready to run, Kimi.
Q2Max VerstappenXevi PujolarVerstappen failed to make the cut for Q3, unlike his team mate.
I had a big moment out of turn five.
Q2Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaAre we going to Q3?
Q2Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrYes.
Q2Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaNice one.
Q3Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasAre they improving Valtteri, the brakes?
Q3Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsNot really, it’s a poor bite.
Q3Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThis tyre doesn’t feel right, very poor grip.
Q3Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonGenerally all the tyres have had some kind of vibration.
Q3Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNice work Lewis, that P1. Well done there mate. Six-tenths to Nico P2.

Race

SessonFromToMessage
RJulien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanMagnussen stopped with an engine failure on his lap to the grid.
For your information McLaren blew up an engine turn seven so there is yellow turn seven and there might be oil on track, so turn six seven yellow.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseKvyat also failed to make it as far as the start of the race, though not for a lack of trying.
Gearbox is gone I’m in the gravel. I’ll try to get back to the box.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK Dany can we have mode one then please and try to limp home.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseSome went in the braking. Now the gearbox came back. I’m in the gravel so we might need to clean the car.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDany please go direct to the grid please, we’ll check over the car on the grid. Stay out, direct to the grid.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleOK the smell was from the Red Bull, not us. Straight to grid.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDo not use fifth gear, Dany, stay in sixth or above if you can.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseI’m stuck, I’m stuck.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatPull the clutch and upshift.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseI’m trying, nothing is happening. Agh… I am in turn 15, I have to stop.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatStand by Dany. Release the clutch.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseNothing, I am in neutral.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK, stand by. Release the clutch, then re-pull it in, and try to upshift.
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseStill nothing. Come on guys, let’s do something.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatYou can’t drive it Dany, no?
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseNo I am stuck.
RGianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatCan you downshift Dany?
RDaniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseI get some response from the engine but it doesn’t work. That’s it, engine is dead.
RFelipe MassaDave RobsonBottas did not start the race due to injury but he withdrew early enough for the grid to be reorganised to take his absence into account.
Just a question. Is a car here? So the Valtteri space stays empty or somebody… No, somebody’s there right? OK.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleThe screen isn’t working. I try to adjust the G6 but I’m getting nothing on the dash, it says E14 also while I’m in E6.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonOK Jenson that’s just the launch map overriding it. No problem, set them on the rotary.
RPastor MaldonadoMark SladeMaldonado tangled with Felipe Nasr at the first corner and crashed out.
Someone crashed me.
RMark SladePastor MaldonadoOK Pastor you got hit from behind. Need to go to P0.
RDaniel RicciardoSimon RennieJust drive-ability, seemed like it got a decent launch then I had massive kicks. Otherwise it was looking alright.
RSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK mate, understood.
RRomain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsRomain Grosjean was forced to retire with an engine problem.
There’s no power guys… Is the problem solved? Anything I can do?
RJulien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanWe are trying to have a look, Romain. Try to use low gear and high revs… OK Romain, box this lap, we are retiring the car, sorry about that.
RRomain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsFOM’s race highlights video show Grosjean also responded “are you kidding me?”.
Box.
RTony RossNico RosbergNico, fuel situation improved, level -1.
RBrad JoyceNico HulkenbergStarting to get caught by Ericsson behind, took 0.8 out of us that lap.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleI’m struggling with under-rotation on the braking. Under-rotation very poor.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonJenson Blue B7.
RCraig GardinerFelipe NasrHow are the tyres?
RFelipe NasrCraig GardinerThey look OK.
RCraig GardinerFelipe NasrGap to Ricciardo behind is nine-tenths, if we get another tenth we can get him out of DRS.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonPerez made contact with Button.
Jenson is the car OK?
RJenson ButtonMark TempleYeah we took a tap on the front-right but I think it’s OK.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonJenson there are only 13 cars in this race there could be points available for finishing.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleYep, Roger.
RDaniel RicciardoSimon RennieJust let me know when we get a pit window. Can’t do anything about the Sauber.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleStruggling with the rear but have been for the last eight laps. If we were to run this tyre again I would come down two turns I think.
RNico RosbergTony RossI touched the wall on the entrance to turn 11, check everything.
RTony RossNico RosbergCopy, copy.
RKimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodI don’t know if I lose part of the front wing just…
RDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK, understood, I’ll monitor.
RDave RobsonFelipe MassaMassa dropped behidn Vettel when both made their single pit stops.
OK Felipe we need to get past Ricciardo, we need everything we can, this is going to be very tight with Vettel.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonBox, box.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleToo late for that, too late.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonOK Jenson doesn’t matter, stay out, push now. Jenson, Perez has stayed out, that’s ideal for us.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleYeah he’s on the [medium] tyre also.
RRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelIs looking good, is looking good. Rosberg and Hamilton pitted already. You are 16 seconds behind race leader.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleStarting to struggle with these tyres, guys.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonUnderstood, Jenson, understood. OK Jenson it’s OK to push the tyre.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleI’ve been doing that since lap one! Box this lap, box this lap.
RMax VerstappenXevi PujolarMy engine sounds heavy.
RXevi PujolarMax VerstappenStop the car, stop the car on track.
RTony RossNico RosbergSo it’s important to save some fuel Nico to attack at the end of the race.
RSimon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel you are faster than Nasr, let’s have him.
RKimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodRaikkonen retired after his second pit stop, where wheel nut which had beencross-threaded at his first pit stop did not reattach correctly.
Something broke.
RDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK stop the car Kimi, stop the car and find a safe place to pull off.
RKimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodDid you leave the wheel loose?
RDavid GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnfortunately wheel was not tight. I’m sorry, Kimi.
RSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiHarsh drive-ability out of turn three.
RRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK copy.
RDave RobsonFelipe MassaOK Felipe doing a great job. We can still reel Vettel in. And there are nine laps to go, nine more laps.
RLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHamilton was confused by a faulty fuel read-out.
How’s my fuel? I’m four bars down. Am I OK to continue as I am or slow down a bit.
RPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonContinue as you are, we’ll get a reference and let you know.
RLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAm I OK with fuel?
RPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonAffirm, you are OK.
RLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonMy dash is telling me that I’m about to run out.
RPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah copy that Lewis just ignore the dash, no need to look at that, there is an error.
RNico RosbergTony RossHow’s other car’s fuel?
RTony RossNico RosbergSo Nico fuel level plus, can’t give information.
RErik SchuivensMarcus EricssonOK Marcus three laps. Come on, push, get him.
RErik SchuivensMarcus EricssonLast lap, bring it home buddy.
RPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNice work Lewis. Beautifully managed. Excellent job, really solid race there. Great stuff.
RPaddy LoweLewis HamiltonWell done Lewis, fantastic drive. That was the 30th Silver Arrows victory. Well done.
RLewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIncredible job guys, both here this weekend but also everyone back at the factory. Thank you so much for building such an amazing car, thank you.
RPeter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThanks Lewis, great way to kick off the season.
RRiccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYes, yes, P3, well done mate, great job.
RSebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiRagazzi! Forza Ferrari! (Boys! Forward Ferrari)
RMaurizio ArrivabeneSebastian VettelSeb, good job, fantastic, well done, grazie.
RSebastian VettelMaurizio ArrivabeneGrazie a voi. (Thanks to you.)
RFelipe MassaDave RobsonThat’s a great job Felipe, really nice drive. Sorry we lost out to Vettel at the stop that was… Nonetheless I hope the car was OK to drive and it was a really good result. Great job managing everything.
RDave RobsonFelipe MassaYeah sorry for that but was a much better start than last year. Thank you guys for the job and let’s keep pushing for the next races.
RFelipe MassaDave RobsonAbsolutely it’s a really tight battle with Ferrari, we can definitely race them hard in the next races. So great job.
RFelipe NasrCraig GardinerWell done guys, great job, great job. Amazing.
RDaniel RicciardoSimon RennieThanks anyways boys. Obviously did the best we could I think. Compared to the Sauber was more just a straight line thing. Even with DRS just struggled a lot.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonWell done, mate. I know that’s not even close to where we want to be but equally we have made a lot of progress today.
RJenson ButtonMark TempleYeah obviously at this stage positions don’t matter really unless we’re fighting in the front. So this is a good step forward, guys. This is a very good step forward. Very, very happy with what we’ve achieved here today. Let’s keep pushing and see more and more improvements every time we get out there. Let’s turn this into something good. We can do it.
RMark TempleJenson ButtonYep, cheers Jenson, we’ll make it happen, we’re going to make it happen.

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Australian 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...

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29 comments on “2015 Australian Grand Prix team radio highlights”

  1. It’s pointless to have this radio when it’s like this, it doesn’t help at all, it’s just carrying a weight. Either we fix it or we take it out.

    Kimi is god :-D.

  2. Maldonado tangled with Felipe Nasr at the first corner and crashed out.
    Someone crashed me.

    Even Pastor was surprised that it wasn’t his fault :P

    1. @dragoll Actually he was more to blame this time around as well – not 100% his fault, part-racing accident, but there’s a bit more on his part.

      He was the one who had space to avoid the three-car tangle in T2 – Kimi was right by the left side of the road and Felipe (Nasr) had nowhere to go when Pastor squeezed him as tight against Kimi as he did. Even a full stop wouldn’t have helped the Brazilian avoid the minor collisions with the other two car, although mostly, I’d just assume he didn’t expect Maldonado to leave him as little room as he did in the end. Bottom line is, Pastor could’ve been more careful when he saw it was three-wide into the corner.

      In part, it’s a racing accident still as even more skilled drivers than Pastor may fail to correctly judge the speed differentials of two cars, let alone three (Kimi moved in slow motion, Nasr had a wiggly traction and Pastor had miles better acceleration than him in return). So it was a hard situation.

      So in the end it’s a part-racing accident, part-another Maldonado error.

      1. @atticus-2 So are you suggesting that Nico vs Hamilton in Spa 2014 was partly Ham’s fault because he put his car in a position where it could be hit? From my point of view, its the driver from behind that has more options than the driver in the front who can’t see whats in his blind spots.

        1. The point is that Both Nasr and Kimi had no place to go and there was plenty space for him on the right. So no reason for Maldonado to squeeze Nasr into Raikkonen like that.

          Completely different from Spa where there was only space for one car through that corner and Rosberg knew up front that he was never going to make that move stick anyway.

          1. Or Nasr could have used his brakes, how about that?.

            Crazy, huh?

          2. Alex
            Sorry, but that is quite frankly a ridiculous suggestion.
            Hitting the brakes in an acceleration zone with half the grid behind you is the perfect recipe for a massive accident.

          3. sorry about the bold section. I messed that up quite badly.. oops.

          4. Maldonado was well ahead, he a clear route out of the corner. It’s not his fault if others crash into him.

        2. @dragoll Nope, because – as I said and you obviously conveniently disregarded – Nasr had next to zero chance of backing out of the situation, I doubt he would have been able to even if he applied full brakes, whereas Rosberg has space to back out of the situation.

          It’s practically what @patrickl said right above me here, I basically 100% agree with him.

    2. “Even Pastor was surprised that it wasn’t his fault :P”

      Brilliant. Just choked on my coffee white reading that….

      1. Having seen it numerous times I’m convinced it was Maldonado’s lack of spatial awareness, which was the cause of the accident – he should have known that he had 2 cars on the inside there and left room for them – they were not moving into a too narrow space, Maldonado came on the outside and squeezed them – he will probably never be able to have a wheel to wheel fight with another driver through consecutive turns without contact.

  3. At the end of the race, looks like you’ve got Massa and Dave Robson the wrong way round.
    Good stuff though, I love reading these. Particularly enjoyed Jenson’s “I’ve been doing that since lap one!”

    1. @blunders Also the dispute over who smelt it and who dealt it…

  4. Vettel’s radio was very quiet.

    1. Conversely, we’re hearing a lot more from Kimi. I’m not sure if he’s talking more, or we’re just hearing more, though. I wonder if Fernando’s radio will be more or less quiet than his time at Ferrari.

    2. Just like Alonso’s was the last couple of years.
      I suspect we aren’t going to hear from Vettel for a long time!

    3. I look forward this year to finally hearing what Alonso has to say during a race! Or am I being too optimistic?

  5. @keithcollantine – Is there a reason that the lap number is not indicated in the race portion? That is always helpful for context.

    1. @hobo The problem is because the messages are delayed in the broadcast it’s not possible to be specific about when a message took place, only when it was broadcast. It was clear on occasions last year people didn’t realise this and were getting confused.

      1. @keithcollantine Got it. They did seem extra delayed this year as well. I thought perhaps last year that the lap data you used was available from someone (FIA, transcript) after the fact and that’s how they were added. But what you said makes sense.

      2. It would be nice to see the lap number, even if it was when it was broadcast. It adds a little bit of context, even if it’s not too accurate.
        I feel like it’s harder to read without.

        1. I agree.

  6. “How’s the other car’s fuel?”
    “Sorry can’t give information.”

    Story of 2015 right there.

    1. Love these comments, do you seriously think it doesn’t go both ways, and Lewis would have poured over Nico’s data after all the practice sessions where it appeared Nico had a bit of an advantage?

      Please they are a team, just stop it with the silly “Nico steals Lewis’ data” garbage. Its childish finger pointing, and what’s worse, Its very selective to make it appear one sided. Whay can’t some Lewis fans be happy when he wins without having to be vindictive towards other drivers for no reason?

      1. would have = wouldn’t have, sorry.

  7. I thought that Jenson’s race engineer was Tom Stallard not Mark Temple?

    1. Peppermint-Lemon (@)
      21st March 2015, 10:13

      Changed last year I think

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