Queue one of my now infamous GIFS.Pierce89 wrote:The only caveat would be that last year Merc really only jumped Ferrari, when, in the middle of the season, Pirelli fixed their main issue for them. If changing to tougher tires wasn't enough, they let Merc have a private test in a 2013 car, when we ALL knew the regs didn't allow a current car. Regardless of which tires were tested, you will not convince me Merc didn't learn a trick or two that they could apply to virtually and modern Pirelli f1 tire.
The main issue of the tyre test was the FIA's ridiculous actions that led up to it. If the FIA said, no, then Pirelli and Mercedes would not have conducted it. Charlie "grey area" Whiting gave the all clear.
Was it advantageous to Mercedes? Probably.
But Ferrari too conducted a test on similiar spec tyres, with what was deemed a "representative" car to the current(2013) rule set.
Again, an embarrassment for the FIA.
I was never in any doubt. At all. :-"bhall II wrote:I'll readily admit to experiencing a certain amount of schadenfreude over the last few years as Mercedes struggled and repeatedly said their goal was 2014, because those claims sounded like lip service every single time. (As a Ferrari fan, you sorta grow accustomed to, if not jaded by, empty promises and unfulfilled "potential."
Personally, I think the cycles of success need to be looked at here. Ferrari crush ass when it comes to winning, synonymous with the brand really. Mercedes too, command this sort of reverence when they go racing.
But, as ever...only 1 car can win. And when you don't, people want to know why....what's being done about it? When will the change be implemented.
I think this was probably Brawn's greatest attribute. When thing's changed, they didn't immediately show promise.
But, his patience allowed stability and improvements could filtered methodically. If it did't work, try again...and again.
If we look at Ferrari without him, it's tumultuous. Upheaval left right and centre, this sort of environment has people looking over their shoulder or worse...point fingers at fellow colleagues.
I think F1 hasn't seen the last of him, and....I've a tidy sum on him returning within 2 years....to Ferrari.