In light of the threat coming from Ferrari, the Mercedes team is no longer excluding setting up different race strategies for Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
In 2014, when Mercedes was dominating the F1 field, the team promised to let its drivers fight it out on equal terms. Despite small adjustments which became necessary due to the growing tensions provoked by the title battle, the philosophy remained unchanged. This season, after an easy one-two in Australia, Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari won in Malaysia with several seconds worth of margin. This Sunday in China, the red car will be just behind the Mercedes duo at the top of the starting grid. “We probably need to reflect the increased competition with our strategy calls”, said Toto Wolff, Mercedes' Team Principal.
When its two cars are fighting far ahead at the front, a team may allow itself the luxury of adopting identical race strategies and letting its drivers settle things between themselves. Such an approach can become risky when a rival team does better on track, as was the case in Malaysia two weeks ago. “We would split the strategies if it is not clear to us which one is the better one”, explained Wolff. “Or if we need to mirror the other team at least with one of the cars, which we did not do in Sepang.” Of course, the driver finding himself with a less optimal strategy will not be very happy.
“Whoever that driver is, he's going to protest”, admitted Wolff, who promises to do all he can to give equal chances to his two title contenders. Nico Rosberg doesn't want to see split race strategies: “It's an artificial addition to our fight. It's not a fair fight after that for one or the other. So I don't like that.” “But that's the way it is. We're racing for Mercedes, and in the first instance we need to win for Mercedes”, Rosberg added. “Whenever they need to do that, they will do it (...) We accept that, to make sure that we win.” “Ultimately, the car in front gets the best strategy”, pointed out reigning champion Lewis Hamilton. “So I put myself in the best position for that, hopefully.” Recent Articles
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