Team Orders/#1 driver - The only way to win championships

[internetf1fan]

Does anyone really care about the WCC? In 2008, McLaren didn't seem too gutted in losing the WCC but you just have to see Ferrari's reaction when they lost the WDC.

Ferrari didn't seem to sad that they lost the WCC this year either.

Actually, having a #1 and #2 increases BOTH WDC and WCC chances. If you have a #1 and #2 driver and you swap them around when they are running 1 and 2 to maximise the #1 drivers points, like RBR had many chances to do this season. You still end up with the same WCC points but you build a buffer in the WDC race.

When you have two team mates taking points away from each other, any DNFS are costly as a driver is expected to have a couple of DNFs in the season. With the #1 and #2 driver situation you build a buffer to protect against such DNFs.

[xpensive]

A bit of legendary learning; Back in France 1973; The front row, three abreast at the time, Ronnie and Emerson were split by a young Jody Scheckter in his McLaren M23. Scheckter took the start and whatever Ronnie tried, he just couldn't get by.

Suddenly Ronnie let Emerson by, just let him have a go at the leader, though not any more successful it would prove.

So, what was this then, manipulating the results or simply loyal and rational thinking teamwork?

[internetf1fan]

That's what I'm saying. RBR should have taken the FIA/Ferrari decision as a go for it sign and picked a #1 driver there and then. Look at them now.

[Steven]

Well, let us look at them now shall we....

Red Bull have sealed the drivers championship, it doesn't matter with whom.
The team NEVER issued on-track team orders, and that is how it should be. Red Bull just have that in their philosophy, and I am also convinced that they discussed all possible scenarios among the team.

Any move favouring someone else MUST be a driver decision. If one driver is fine with handing another one the championship at the last race, fine with me, but picking one nr1 driver at the beginning of the season is just wrong.

[zeph]

OK, so Ferrari issued overt team orders in Germany.

RBR has always positioned Webber as a #2, and never made it a secret that Vettel is their guy. Horner said so at the start of the season, and again recently.

The incidents at Turkey and Silverstone speak volumes. If you really think that Webber is any less of a #2 than Massa, with all due respect: that is naive.

[Raptor22]

well red bull has made this discussion moot. Webber made a hash of qualifying, Vettel did a superb job all weekend and went for it. Webber choked and lost. Vettel did what he does, drove with heart on his cuff and won it. Ferrari's team orders to support a spoilt brat only brought the sport into disrepute when Alonso waved his fist at Petrov.
Red Bull rocks, may fair play and equality reign.

[Giblet]

Whether Vettel was the preferred son or not , no team orders were given and both drivers had a good chance to win the title. The thread title has been for the most part, mooted.

Webber folded at the end of the year, not doing what he needed to get the job done. He was able to follow Vettel home pretty close last could of races, why not now?

[internetf1fan]

After todays result I still stand by what I have said. Having #1 doesn't guarantee a championship but not having one is the easiest way to lose one. Today RBR were incredibly lucky as they had to rely on many things going their way.

[lolzi]

I found/find it very strange that Webber was that much slower in qualifying - does anyone have any information on that? Was his rear wing mounted upside down?

[Raptor22]

webber choked, pure and simple.
As for winggate: mommy was in the kitchen making breakfast for Mark and Seb. Mommy asked Mark and Seb who would like an omelette. Both put up their hands. Mom realised she only had enough eggs for one so she suggested they share the omelette. Mark took a bite and did'nt like it so mommy gave marks half to seb. Mark did'nt like this so he sulked and cried that mommy did'nt love him any more. Seb enjoyed the omelette.

[CHT]

After todays result I still stand by what I have said. Having #1 doesn't guarantee a championship but not having one is the easiest way to lose one. Today RBR were incredibly lucky as they had to rely on many things going their way.

RBR are incredibily lucky to not impose team order at Brazil or else Alonso would have easily wrap up the championship after webber poor qualifying performances.

If I am not mistaken, I think RBR did came out with about 300 difference possible outcome of the sunday race and at end they just did what is more important, ie. to attack.

[lolzi]

webber choked, pure and simple.
As for winggate: mommy was in the kitchen making breakfast for Mark and Seb. Mommy asked Mark and Seb who would like an omelette. Both put up their hands. Mom realised she only had enough eggs for one so she suggested they share the omelette. Mark took a bite and did'nt like it so mommy gave marks half to seb. Mark did'nt like this so he sulked and cried that mommy did'nt love him any more. Seb enjoyed the omelette.

+1

[segedunum]

Does anyone really care about the WCC? In 2008, McLaren didn't seem too gutted in losing the WCC but you just have to see Ferrari's reaction when they lost the WDC.

The constructors' is where all the money is.