Alexander Wurz: "Tension in Red Bull driver lineup"
- Published on 12 Mar 2018 11:12
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Alex Wurz says he detects "tension" between Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. Comparing Red Bull's lineup with those of the other two top teams, the former driver and GPDA boss said Ricciardo and Verstappen are the most explosive.
"At Ferrari there is a clear division of roles," the Austrian told Speed Week. "At Mercedes, it will be very difficult for Bottas to beat Hamilton. But at Red Bull, everything is much more open. It's impossible to say how the rivalry will develop, but it will be extremely interesting. There is tension in the air," Wurz added.
As for Ferrari's lineup, Wurz thinks it's possible that Kimi Raikkonen will remain beyond his 2018 contract. "I wonder how many lives he has," he said. "They say a cat has nine lives, but Kimi probably has 12 or something. At the end of the day the stopwatch doesn't know the driver's age, so if Ferrari is convinced that they are achieving the maximum results with this lineup, then he can stay after 2018," Wurz added.
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Replies (16)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
Not so much as tension more of: no clear number 1 driver. However Verstappen seems to have the upperhand now on Ricciardo so switching to Mercedes/Ferrari seems like more logical route for him. Guess he wants to know how good the Honda will be before he decides on moving to an different team. Redbull won't just sit there ... they will already know what will happen.
reg
Posts: 162
Not quite sure how you put Daniel behind Max? From pre season practice, Daniel clearly has the upper hand and appears to be well and truly in the zone!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
We cant read anything from the tests though. Remember: they arent chasing pace or speed in tests, they just want data.
dr002
Posts: 141
I reckon Ricciardo has also got to consider the Helmut factor…. Verstappen has both this year and next to become the youngest ever world championship, and there is little doubt that Helmut will do what he can to make that happen!
Also, Ricciardo would surely have to rank himself ahead of the two dads driving for Ferrari, I certainly do!!….. You can’t tell me that being married with two kids doesn’t alter Vettel’s mind set. It is clear to see that on track Vettel is mentally fragile and has a real sense of entitlement. There is no doubt that both Hamilton AND Verstappen are all over Vettel when it comes to getting in his head!!
For these reasons I reckon Ricciardo would be mad not to make every effort to get Raikkonen’s seat, and I reckon Ferrari would be mad not to make it happen, particularly considering Ricciardo’s Italian heritage and marketing potential.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Problems will arise if they get to the front. Until then they will manage.
Barron
Posts: 625
That’s a good point...
michielhimself
Posts: 132
Contention for the lead in the world driver's championship is a good problem to develop if you're not Mercedes, who have "solved" that already.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I don't expect then to be as jovial as they are right now, but I don't think it will be a Rosberg/Hamilton kind of affair. Although younger, these guys are way more mature and level headed. They're there to race, not for branding, or yo get vengeance for some past bullshit. More importantly, if Ricicardo and Verstappen get a top 2 car, it will be so incredibly exciting to see them race. Way better than the almost-battle with Vettel last
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
The problem with the almost battle we had with Vettel last year was the Mercedes car more than Vettel. Mark my word: it would not have been more fun had Red Bull been number two last year. Maybe a bit more challenging, seeing as Kimi didnt put up much of a fight, but the result would be the same. Hammy would come out smelling like oil-burning roses, while Ricciardo and Verstappen would cannibalize each other.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@Calle "Smelling like oil-burning roses" lol.
I agree the result would not have been different, Hamilton had a pretty incredible season in 2017. But the charade of pretending that Kimi had equal chances to win races made me sick. Perhaps because it reminded me of similar instances with Felipe Massa and Rubens Barrichello in recent years. I'd rather see a dog fight where win or lose, each guys leaves with some dignity. Case in point, Mark Webber at Red Bull. He was clearly not as fast as Sebastian, and the team clearly preferred Sebastian, but I'd say we all respected Mark for standing up for himself. Translation? I'm a bit of a Ferrari hater when team orders start coming out.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I too wish they had a more competitive team mate paired with Vettel. Its almost like Kimi doesnt even try. So sadly, my stance hasnt changed: Kimi should retire. In essence, I also think Mercedes sorta shot themselves in the foot when they aped Ferrari's way. I think we'd seen a far more interesting season had Rosberg stayed, or had Bottas been more competitive. And Ferrari lost important points because of Kimi's lack of ability.
Either its lack of mojo from Kimi, or we are understimating Vettel's ability to push a car. The difference is just so big.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
@CALLE.ITW "Smelling like oil-burning roses" that's so funny.
Looking forward to next season.
Barron
Posts: 625
Yes, Kimi has appeares to be “coasting” probably since he left Lotus where he showed his old fire. It’s not really his fault though, he’s just earning his pension but I do think he needs to step aside - he is proving to be a major “seat blocker”. How much money is enough? It’s insane to think he’s now worth $200 million! (Hamilton is only worth $180 mil lol.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Kimi is what? *looks it up* holy shit you are right. That guy has it going for him.
Pauli
Posts: 140
Iceman has been extraordinary brand that has excited fans all over the world. Also many sponsors have payed premium money for the Iceman image.
But to me Kimi in Ferrari still looks fast but for some reason he makes too many small mistakes in breaking and corners that end up costing the difference to Vettel. Basically if Kimi managed consistent control he would be equal to Vettel. Too ba the ~0.3 difference is just too many small mistakes. Is that down to reflexes slowing after mid twenties?
denis1304
Posts: 284
there is rarely any problems in team when there is no chance for wins or championship