1 – Daniel RICCIARDO (Red
Bull Racing)
2 – Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari)
3 – Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes)
PODIUM INTERVIEWS
(Conducted by Martin Brundle)
Daniel, what brilliant drive, congratulations. How on earth does that feel?
Daniel RICCIARDO: It feels as good as the first, it really does. I don’t
know, I mean the safety car at the beginning played to our advantage and
then I thought when the second one came out it didn’t really help us but we
managed to pull it off at the end, had to pass our way through and that was
a lot of fun in the last few laps.
You rehearsed that big outbraking move on Fernando last weekend in Germany
didn’t you? That was from a long way back.
DR: Yeah it was. I knew we had to make a move quick, the DRS was there and I
know it could have been my only chance, so I took it and it paid off. Had to
be done.
Fernando, you hung onto the tyres, you took a risk and you pushed like
crazy. It’s your birthday on Tuesday and you nearly had the perfect birthday
present. But second place, is it painful or are you satisfied anyway?
Fernando ALONSO: No, extremely satisfied. I think it has been a tough
weekend – a tough season in general – so to get a podium is always a nice
surprise let’s say. We took a gamble. We risked today just trying to get the
victory. We went close but as I said, extremely proud of the team, extremely
proud of the job we did today and very, very happy.
Rain for the start, safety cars, traffic, tyres degrading, you needed all
your experience today. You needed everything.
FA: Well, today we have a combination of things that made the race difficult
to execute, difficult to understand and we took our opportunities, our
experience… we need some crazy races to get some podiums and today we took
the opportunity.
Congratulations. Moving over to Lewis Hamilton: pit lane to podium! Lewis,
that was also via the barriers of the second corner at the start. What a
crazy afternoon you’ve had.
Lewis HAMILTON: It’s been a pretty crazy weekend.
When you got out of the car yesterday, you were disappointed you had that
failure and you had mentally put yourself over 30 points behind Nico. You
were convinced he would win and you would struggle to get into the top five
and here you are on the podium.
LH: Absolutely. Big thank you to the team, they did a great job with the pit
stops and with the strategy and I just tried my best. The car’s been
fantastic – when it’s going. Obviously a lot of points lost, because we
could have had a much better weekend but we have a lot of strengths to look
forward to in future races.
You were really struggling in the beginning. You were talking about the
diff, you were talking about a vibration, we heard you were getting very hot
in your seat, you were clearly nursing a few issues as well?
LH: Yeah, to be honesty at the beginning obviously a mistake by myself, but
the brakes were very, very cold and locked up and I was gone. Fortunately I
got going again, thank the Lord I didn’t damage the car and you know damage
limitation again.
One of your finest ever drives?
LH: I don’t think so.
Well, it look pretty damned good from where we were sitting and standing in
the grandstands. So Daniel, we go into the summer break, although Spa will
be with us soon enough, and you have a great victory. What are you going to
do and what does it mean for you in the second half of the season?
DR: Well, definitely going to celebrate tonight and party for a few days I
think, enjoy a bit of time off. Then just keep building on what I’ve done in
the first six months and then look forward to Spa. Just firstly I want to
thank the team, they’ve really let me settle in so well the first six months
of the year and to grab two victories it’s honestly phenomenal, so really
pleased. Got a few mates here this weekend, so we’ll party hard tonight.
PRESS CONFERENCE
Well done Daniel, that was an amazing victory, very exciting for all of us.
You led early one and then obviously came back at the end. When did you
think you had it won?
DR: I wasn’t sure. I knew that the first safety car played into our hands,
we inherited the lead there, pitting for slicks and then, yeah, we were
looking alright. Then we got the second safety car and obviously we pitted
again for another set of tyres but we obviously lost the lead. I wasn’t
really sure what was going to happen. We were stayed out pretty long that
stint and we were leading a fair chunk of the mid-race but then I knew we
weren’t going to get to the end on that set of tyres. So we had to pit again
and that put me back out of position. Then we knew we had to overtake to win
the race. Obviously we had the fresher tyres at our disposal but I knew it
was going to be an exciting finish. I honestly had a scare in the middle of
the race, for a few laps we had some issues. Basically, we were down on
power and had to get a bit crazy on the switches, so I thought the race
could have potentially ended early but we got through that and yeah, very
happy.
What about overtaking these two, the overtaking manoeuvres in the last few
laps?
DR: Yeah, obviously there was only one way to win it and that was to get
around them. Obviously I had the advantage of the fresher tyres, but I knew
they wouldn’t make it easy. I attempted Lewis into Turn Two, I think the
previous lap or maybe two before I eventually got him, but just locked up
and went too wide. I had a second crack at it and I still locked up but I
managed to just hang on and just had a bit more grip around the outside
there, so that was that. And then, once I got close enough to Fernando, I
knew I just had to go for it. Being in that sandwich there, Lewis was still
I think in the DRS zone, basically I couldn’t waste too much time and that’s
what I did and then once I got the lead I knew it was just a couple of laps
to go. Yeah, it feels good.
Well done. Fernando, coming to you. What does this mean to you? What does it
mean to Ferrari, coming just before the break?
FA: It means a lot. Obviously we had some tough races recently and to see
one Ferrari again on the podium is the best news. We took the opportunity
after a difficult race, with a wet start and then some difficult decisions
to make around the safety cars – if pitted or not. Unfortunately first
safety car we went a little bit out of position, because the safety car went
out and we were in the last corners so we missed the opportunity to stop. We
stopped the lap afterwards and we lost a couple of places. We have to
attack, we have to overtake a couple of people and just 10 laps to the end
we were discussing if we stop and secure the fourth place that we really
needed, those points, so just try to defend the position as much as you can
and maybe finish in fourth, so at the end it’s the same result but at least
you have the chance to fight for the podium positions. So we were in that
position 10 laps to the end and at the end we chose the right thing – stay
out, defend the position as best we could and secure this second place that,
for sure, it tastes like a victory for us at the moment.
Yes, it’s interesting what Ferrari will take from this. Presumably you’ll
still be telling them to push on other types of circuit, this was a very
tight circuit obviously?
FA: We’ll see. This circuit didn’t change much our performance, our position
but today we had a little bit of a chaotic race and we took every
opportunity we had in front of us. I think cars from behind also had some
issues, with Rosberg, with Hamilton yesterday, with the issues in
qualifying, we get this position for free. We had Vettel, had a problem in
the last corner today, the Force India. We had some cars out of the way
let’s say and we took benefit from this and we secured some very strong
points for the team.
And Lewis… I think a lot of people may be extremely surprised to see you
here but it was a fantastic race for you. Did you ever think it was
possible? You had some great wheel-to-wheel racing as well out there.
LH: I don't know, I was just pushing as hard as I could to see if I could
get as high as I could and yeah, I mean, a great result obviously.
What does this third place mean to you or are you still regretting
yesterday?
LH: No, obviously this is damage limitation. On one hand I’m very grateful
to have been able to get through with all the difficulties I’ve had this
weekend, obviously yesterday and the first lap. I can’t believe how things
have gone but to be able to come back through… the safety cars obviously
helped quite a lot but naturally I look at the fact that I had the pace this
weekend I lost quite a lot of opportunistic points. Still, we’re there in
the fight, fortunately I stayed of my team-mate, which means I’m still there
or thereabouts.
Q: How hard did he come back at you?
LH: Well, he was catching me at three seconds a lap, so it was very, very
tough at the end. Fernando, and big congratulations to Daniel, drove
fantastically well, both of them. It was very difficult to keep him behind,
and also with Nico, and impossible to get past Fernando.
Q: Quite tricky, the last few laps?
LH: Yeah, definitely.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (Ian Parkes – PA) Lewis, we heard on the radio the messages from the team
asking you to pull over and let Nico by, around about lap 50-51. We can now
see why you didn’t do it, otherwise you wouldn’t be on the podium. Can you
just explain your thoughts at that particular time: what was going through
your head? Why you didn’t let him by? And secondly, how do you feel the
dynamic of your relationship will again maybe now change, following the
summer break, with Nico?
LH: Well obviously I’m aware that when you’re… y’know I was in the same race
as him. Just because he had one more stop than me doesn’t mean I wasn’t in
the same race as him. And naturally if I’d have let him past, he would have
had the opportunity to pull away and when he does pit, he’s going to come
back and overtake me, so I was very, very shocked that the team would ask me
to do that, to be able to better his position. But to be honest, he didn’t
get close enough to overtake but I was never going to lift off and lost
ground to Fernando or Daniel to enable him to have a better race. So that
was a bit strange. But we’ve got a long way to go, moving forwards still
and, as I said, thankfully I’m still in that battle, so, I hope we can come
away stronger.
Q: (Kate Walker – Crash.net) I’ve got a question for you Lewis. Going into
the summer break, psychologically, what does it mean for you, the fact that
you started in the pitlane, your team-mate started on pole, and you’re here
and he isn’t?
LH: Well that in itself is huge for me. I can’t express to you the pain that
you feel when you have issues such as the issues that I’ve had in the last
couple of races. It’s very, very difficult to swallow, and, to come back the
next day and get the right balance between not attacking too much, and not
making mistakes, all these different things. So many things that… obviously
when you’re at the back you’re having to push way past the limit than
perhaps you would off pole position or in the top five. So the fact that I’m
managed to come back through obviously is a showing of just how great this
car is and how great this team is – but ultimately we’ve worked, I’ve worked
hard for it so it feels probably better than perhaps a win, gliding from the
lead. It feels definitely much more satisfying when you come back through.
And, as I said, to be ahead and to win the fight is really encouraging.
Q: (Dan Knutson – Auto Action / National Speedsport News) Two questions, one
for Daniel: how does this compare to Canada? And for the other two guys,
you’ve battled wheel to wheel with Daniel. Has he now established himself as
a front-runner?
DR: It honestly does compare to Canada. Obviously the first victory is
special but it definitely leaves you wanting more. I was just as hungry for
this second one and it feels just as good – I won’t say better but you
realise it a bit more so if feels like you can enjoy it a bit more. And when
I crossed the line, everything felt a bit more real, so I guess I took in a
bit more of this one today. So, yeah, it feels awesome. And I just want of
obviously quickly thank the team as well. To have two victories in the first
half of the season with them, obviously I owe a lot of that to them as well,
for letting me just settle in, establish myself with them. They never put
too much pressure on me, they let me roll into it as I liked – and I think
that’s been the best balance for all of us. The results are showing and I’ll
enjoy this one as much as Canada.
Fernando, your thoughts about Daniel – has he established himself?
FA: Yeah, definitely. I think he’s leading the champion team. That says all.
He’s doing a fantastic job this year and now he had a few bottles. In
Hockenheim I had a very fresh tyre which probably allowed me to pass with
some advantage but even with that it was not easy. Today, I really didn’t
have the tools to fight but I tried to do my best – but definitely,
congratulations to him for today, for the whole championship and it’s going
to be an interesting fight in the next couple of years.
Lewis?
LH: Yeah, as Fernando said, he’s been driving fantastically well from the
beginning of the year. So, it’s not only now, it’s through the whole year
he’s shown his capability and is going from strength to strength. Not only
one of the nicest guys in the paddock but also one of the best drivers here,
for sure.
Q: (Flavio Vanetti – Corriere della Sera) To Fernando, a couple of
questions, first one: does this result show that something can still be
taken from the car, and the second one, your birthday is approaching: we
know what you wished last year – what about this year? What is the gift you
would like for your birthday?
FA: hmmm… I think from this year’s car there are obviously some positive
things and some negative things. Now, together with the team try to analyse
what to carry on and what to change. Philosophy of the car probably is not
perfectly right because we are not as competitive as wish, so there are
things that we need to change but also there are things that are probably
working OK. Well last year it was a very big understanding of what was my
wish. Especially in Italy. So, this year, I will not wish anything about the
car and I will wish a happy day to everyone in Italy.
Q: (Carlos Miquel Gomez – La Gaceta) Two questions for Fernando. Do you
think that this race is one of the best races of your career? And the other
thing, to hear the people cheering “Alonso, Alonso” is one of the reasons
that you are following Formula One.
FA: I don’t think that is one of the best in my career. It has been a good
and a complex race, let’s say, to execute and perform – because there were
some difficulties around the race that make the 70 laps not straight
forward. You just need to make decisions during the race and all of them
were, together with the team, and I think we did the best we could. And then
in the podiums, the support from the people has been amazing. Especially
this two or three last seasons – which is a little bit strange when you
think that I won the World Championship the last time in 2006, I suppose
that my career should be going down and it’s going up. So that’s definitely
something that keeps my motivation very high. I would like to give them
something back in terms of trophy and in terms of titles. It’s what we’re
working on.
Q: (Peter Vamosi – Vas Nepe Kiadoi) Daniel, when do you think your next
victory will come? This year you are the only Mercedes destroyer. And do you
still continue to develop this year’s car or will you focus on next year
after Spa?
DR: I think – answering your second question quickly – I think we’re
definitely going to keep trying to push for this year. There’s still a lot
to play for. In any case, what we learn this year we can still take forward
for next year so the team will keep pushing and I’m sure that now this
second victory will keep the motivation strong within the team so that’s
good. Sorry, what was the first question?
Q: (Peter Vamosi – Vas Nepe Kiadoi) This year you are the only Mercedes
destroyer.
DR: Good. Someone’s got to do it.
Q: (Frederic Ferret – L’Equipe) Lewis, during this crazy race, what was the
main difficulty for you, trying to find your way on the wet track at the
beginning or resisting your teammate at the end?
LH: The beginning. The strange thing about starting from the pit lane is
that you don’t get ready to go out. Your brakes are cold as you start, your
tyres are brand new and obviously I experienced that into turn two. It was
an interesting beginning to the race but I’m very very very grateful that I
got through.
Q: (Livio Oricchio – UOL) To all of you: three different drivers, three
different teams, three different power trains in the last race of this part
of the season. Does it mean that in the second part of the season we will
maybe see some more competition or did the circumstances of the race create
this situation?
DR: I think today obviously the mixed conditions and the safety cars maybe
helped out this order in terms of having three different manufacturers up
here but I would like to think that it can create something for the second
half. I think that in pure dry conditions, Mercedes still have a pretty
significant edge on everyone else. Spa, it’s a pretty good place to start
the second half of the year. Maybe the weather and the changes they have
there could create something exciting but forgetting all the stats,
obviously this is a great thing to see today: three teams, three
manufacturers all up here. It’s refreshing, for sure.
FA: I agree with everything. Let’s hope so. I think the circumstances and
the weather played a big factor today. The circuit characteristics also
probably helped some of the power units that we are not on top of the game
still, so let’s see at Spa. Monza is quite a tough challenge for us and that
will give us some answers for the final part.
LH: I think it’s great for the fans to see. I’m sure today – people say it
was a great race – that’s really what the fans want to see so I hope that
continues for the future.
Q: (Istvan Simon – Auto Magazin) Lewis, the last time that things didn’t go
according to plan was at Silverstone – apart from Hockenheim but that was a
technical issue – when something messed up your qualifying, you said that
you spent the night or I heard you spend the night with your mother, with
your father, with your family, with your loved ones. What helped you through
this time, in this dip? What did you do yesterday to prepare yourself for
the race day?
LH: I had a pizza last night! I did, some pizza and some chocolate and
watched a movie. Went to dinner with Niki yesterday and played a prank on
him as it was his birthday and just tried to have some fun. We really have
some of the greatest fans here and I think really some of my really close
fans that I have here really got me through this weekend. I didn’t have my
family here with me and it’s great to be able to turn to them and to be able
to receive positive energy from them. I got a letter from one of my fans
this morning and just the comments it had in it were really uplifting and
really helped kick my mind into gear so I’m grateful for that.
Q: (Peter Farkas – Auto Motor) Lewis, yesterday you were quoted as saying
that what happened starts to go beyond bad luck. Could you please explain
what exactly you meant by that and are you maybe starting to lose confidence
in the team, because of the technical problems and now they asked you to
move over for Nico who was on a different strategy?
LH: I don’t really remember... I mean yesterday after what was quite a
difficult time, I came straight out and spoke to the media so I think
fortunately I controlled myself quite well and I don’t really remember what
kind of frame of mind I was in at that point but it’s the same as saying
‘it’s beyond a joke.’ Sometimes there’s one joke, there’s another joke and
sometimes it gets a little bit past that and obviously with the faults that
we’ve had on my car, it’s made it very difficult for this championship but
as I said, fortunately I got some points today which means that I’m still
there or thereabouts but the telling thing would be how my car performs
through the rest of the year.
Q: (Carlos Jalife – Fastmag) Daniel, who do you side with: Fernando said a
few races ago that the championship was basically over? It was for one of
the guys from Mercedes. And Sebastian said that mathematically it was still
on, so what’s your opinion on that? Is it over or is it not?
DR: I think there’s obviously a couple of opinions. When maybe some of us
say it’s over, I think it’s just purely looking at the performance of
Mercedes. On a normal weekend with normal conditions on pretty much all
circuits, they’ve been dominant. I think days like today, with some changing
conditions, some safety cars, it helps us keep our nose in the fight. I
think Seb’s right in saying that until it’s mathematically over it isn’t. If
you look at today, I closed in on the championship but realistically we’re
still a long way off. It doesn’t really change the approach in any case. If
we’re in it or not, we still race for the highest position possible and
obviously as we saw today, the win was there for grabs and we took it. In
any case, I don’t think it changes the approach for Sundays. I think with
the Abu Dhabi system they’ve applied this year, it’s still going to be
pretty open until late on in the season. We’ll just keep doing what we can.
Q: (Cristobal Rosaleny – Car and Driver) Fernando, how impressive or how
surprising for you and for the team was having such an amazing pace with the
soft tyres for such a long time with the degradation of the tyres. Was it
really a surprise, a question of weather?
FA: Yeah, it was definitely a surprise. We found ourselves leading the race
when Ricciardo and Massa pitted so we thought OK, let’s give the maximum for
three or four laps just to open up a gap and stop see whether we are in the
final part and then we realised that it was not so many laps to the end and
it was a difficult call: stopping and keep pushing and finishing fourth or
keep going and risking the cliff with the tyres and finishing fourth or
fifth or whatever. So it was surprisingly good, it was surprisingly fast,
the car in the race. I think the weather helped us with cooler temperatures
and the track a little bit damp in the first part. Obviously you don’t
stress the tyres as much as a completely hot track. I felt the car was good
and it was definitely a surprise.
Q: (Oliver Barstow – Crash.net) Lewis, yourself and Nico have had the odd
technical issue over the course of the year. Given the performance between
you two is so close, how concerned are you that the title could be decided
between you by who has the least technical issues?
LH: Ultimately it is a concern because I’ve stopped more than him. But as I
said, there’s still quite a few races to go and it will be telling,
dependent on how... Obviously I’ve got the pace, got the ability, just
really whether or not the car holds up. |