Red Bull accuses Mercedes of ‘helping’ Ferrari catch up

[vetalo]

Can't red bull just keep thier mouth shut?

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/view/523362/Red_Bull_accuses_Mercedes_of_helping_Ferrari_catch _up/
Dr Helmut Marko has accused Mercedes of actively helping Ferrari to catch the reigning world champions in 2015.

According to Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda, it is no surprise that Ferrari is much more competitive this year.

“If you look at how much we won last year,” said the F1 legend, “it was clear that it would not always be like that.”

Red Bull official Marko, however, smells a rat.

“It is difficult to prove, but I am sure that Mercedes helped Ferrari,” he told the German magazine Sport Bild. “And we all know why.”

Austrian Marko reportedly senses a political motive, and not just Mercedes’ desire to halt suggestions it is damaging F1 by dominating so easily.

He might also be referring to the engine rules, with Ferrari having now joined Mercedes in backing the current turbo V6 era, even beyond 2017.

Sport Bild suggests Mercedes may even have slowed its own development programme over the winter, and recommended that Ferrari sign up its hybrid specialist Wolf Zimmermann.

“We expected an improvement,” said Sauber engineer Giampaolo Dall’Ara, referring to Ferrari’s 2015 engine, “but such great progress in such a short space of time is difficult to explain.” (GMM)

[WS6TransAm01]

Yes Helmut it's a vast conspiracy to promote the TNT energy drink over Red Bull. Really? I mean REALLY? Can't give Ferrari any credit hu? Yes they brought in engineers from other teams but it's nothing different to what every other team in he paddock does.

[darkchild]

Wow great...Work one year on the engine, pour in hunderd million euros and be accused of cheating. Helmut Marko ladies and gentleman.

[Hornet]

Marko has been know to make outrageous comments from time to time. Nothing new, and certainly not something worth losing sleep over.

[Rob]

Think all that sugar from drinking that energy drink is starting to effect him.

[The Hajj]

Just for discussion, assuming Marko's conspiracy theory is valid, would it not be much simpler to have Mercedes back off a bit than help Ferrari engineers upgrade their engine?

There is a lot of money flowing through F1, so it is entirely possible that some "manipulation" is happening behind the scenes, but Marko's theory is ridiculous.

[Tony]

This is like the WWE :munch

[darkchild]

Just for discussion, assuming Marko's conspiracy theory is valid, would it not be much simpler to have Mercedes back off a bit than help Ferrari engineers upgrade their engine?

There is a lot of money flowing through F1, so it is entirely possible that some "manipulation" is happening behind the scenes, but Marko's theory is ridiculous.
Look this "theory" is pure rubbish. Is insulting to all the guys that work at Ferrari. BILD (German daily mail) had article about Merc helping Ferrari with engine and in turn got Marchiones word that they wont take Lewis. Its pure drivel, and doesnt deserve one read. Its embarassing people are crediting Merc for this years good engine that Ferrari made.

[Rob]

This is like the WWE :munch


I know,its all about "stories" now. Sad, should be about drivers racing and racing hard.

[Nova]

I wouldnt say this is true, but everytime Wolfe says something
I get a strange feeling about it. He is too fast w/his praise of Ferrari
for a competitor who'se catching his team..normally there would be more
of a feeling of tension, especially between the 2 teams..aka: Mac and Ferrari.
Of course, theres always tension between those 2.

[darkchild]

Wolff is playing wolf in a sheep clothes. He was furriously against in season development, when loophole was found and Ferrari cought up he has nothing left to say then to act all giggity and friendly.

[TonyRizza]

no point really commenting on this matter, red bull are wanting headlines/excuses to their poor performance. same old same old

[Hornet]

Just for discussion, assuming Marko's conspiracy theory is valid, would it not be much simpler to have Mercedes back off a bit than help Ferrari engineers upgrade their engine?

There is a lot of money flowing through F1, so it is entirely possible that some "manipulation" is happening behind the scenes, but Marko's theory is ridiculous.
I agree that if Merc is trying to "allow" Ferrari to close up as an attempt to prevent any changes to the PU development regulations, then the most logical thing to do is to simply control their own performance, rather than intentionally give Ferrari and edge.

But I don't think Merc is doing anything, as right now Rosberg is behind Vettel in the WDC. I don't think Merc will do it exaggeratedly to the point of sacrificing Rosberg WDC position.

[ferrari4life]

I agree that if Merc is trying to "allow" Ferrari to close up as an attempt to prevent any changes to the PU development regulations, then the most logical thing to do is to simply control their own performance, rather than intentionally give Ferrari and edge.

But I don't think Merc is doing anything, as right now Rosberg is behind Vettel in the WDC. I don't think Merc will do it exaggeratedly to the point of sacrificing Rosberg WDC position.

when Eddie Irwine was with ferrari we used to joke that he was the driver that was paid specifically to stay behind MS.. maybe Rosberg is now being paid to finish behind Ferrari just to cover up. Merc still gets the WDC and WCC and everyone is happy under the false pretense that Ferrari has a chance

:LOL

[raylinds]

:crazy

[wisepie]

Marko has been know to make outrageous comments from time to time. Nothing new, and certainly not something worth losing sleep over.

You're right there, Hornet, maybe it's time Dr Marko joined Mr Ecclestone on a one-way ticket to the moon, they both seem to have lost the plot.:roll

[Astoria]

does that mean Mclaren helped Jaguar(RedBull) when Adrian Newey went over to that team?

[Silent Bob]

Don't see why the increase in PU performance is that big of a surprise. It was widely known that Ferrari compromised it's 2014 PU for the sake of better aero. Without compromises, it was always going to be a much better PU. Ferrari's specialty is building engines, so no surprise, they improved so much after making a major error in 2014.

[stefa]

Think all that sugar from drinking that energy drink is starting to effect him.

:rotfl Best comment ever!!! :rotfl

[wickedf1]

What an insult to Ferrari and all their work and all their doings. Marko is always talking with bubbles in his mouth about things he "thinks". Mostly you have to ignore.

[Dino]

Marko,think of something better to say,you will be starting races behind the Marussia very soon!
And every body except you,Horner,Ric,and Kvyat is loving it.:furious

[Giallo 550]

Little more than sour grapes.

[abbottcostello]

I have it on good sources that Helmut was observed slamming down a six pack of that 'wings' soft drink right before he gave that interview. :drink

[KimiBot]

But I don't think Merc is doing anything, as right now Rosberg is behind Vettel in the WDC. I don't think Merc will do it exaggeratedly to the point of sacrificing Rosberg WDC position.


1 LEWIS HAMILTON GBR MERCEDES 93
2 NICO ROSBERG GER MERCEDES 66
3 SEBASTIAN VETTEL GER FERRARI 65
4 KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN FIN FERRARI 42

[abbottcostello]

1 LEWIS HAMILTON GBR MERCEDES 93
2 NICO ROSBERG GER MERCEDES 66
3 SEBASTIAN VETTEL GER FERRARI 65
4 KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN FIN FERRARI 42
Come on, we can't let facts get in the way of a good (cough) conspiracy theory!

Or maybe Hornet is in a time warp where Bahrain didn't happen yet??? :lol

[Hornet]

Come on, we can't let facts get in the way of a good (cough) conspiracy theory!

Or maybe Hornet is in a time warp where Bahrain didn't happen yet??? :lol
Yep, my mistake. Didn't realize Rosberg has past Vettel on the WDC

But my opinion still stands. Merc isn't going to orchestrate a false competition that put Rosberg's WDC standing in jeopardy, and at the moment Rosberg's 2nd place is under threat. Without Vettel's mistake which they cannot orchestrate, Vettel would still be ahead of him.

Hardly a conspiracy theory I think, to assume Merc isn't orchestrating anything, lol. Unless one thinks Marko's claim is more sensible than that.:-E

[REDARMYSOJA]

Just shut up Marko.

[AfterLife]

Obviously Mercedes have thrown millions to their power unit project and it is not logical to share that easily with Ferrari by sending some power unit specialist to them. As mentioned earlier, Mercedes could easily make themselves slower so Ferrari could catch up.
Renault screwed RedBull. It is a hard situation for them, these statements happen sometimes.

[IulianFerrari]

Obviously Mercedes have thrown millions to their power unit project and it is not logical to share that easily with Ferrari by sending some power unit specialist to them. As mentioned earlier, Mercedes could easily make themselves slower so Ferrari could catch up.
Renault screwed RedBull. It is a hard situation for them, these statements happen sometimes.
If they made themselves slower it would not have helped Ferrari in any way so we were suposed to be like last year struggling in midfield. So Ferrari wouldn't have "voted" for the V6. That is the logic behind Marko's statement and I if this is the case it would have been a good move from Mercedes, helping the most popular team be at the front and get the most important "vote". I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS TRUE THOUGH, if Mercedes helps Ferrari and does not use it's most powerfull equipment means that although Ferrari would get a gain over Williams and RBR they will never catch Mercedes because they always have something better "stored in the back" and MERC would know exactly where Ferrari is at the start at the season. I don't think Ferrari would settle for a neverending 2nd place and that they would take a shot at a reshuffle which could bring them 1st.

[darkchild]

Ferrari didnt want V6 to be dropped, they wanted engine freeze to be loosened so that engines can be developed during season. Renault, even though they did bad job, want to continue with V6 do him being so unproffesional is just sign of their weakness.

[abbottcostello]

All of these guys in F1 make strange, outrageous statements quite often & quite often it is for a reason & even contain some element of truth.
I'm not saying his statement is true or accurate, but I never cease to be amazed when some outlandish story like this winds up having some truth as its base.
At this point though, this seems to be a load of hooey that Marko came up with on a bet with Horner for some laughs.

[fmatiasii]

Bravo, bravo! :haha:

[Stormy]

So they helped us with some feedback so we can support them with the engine rules?

[Liscia]

More far-fetched dudu from Helmet Marko! He's deranged under normal circumstances but this is really a REACH even for him!

[Nova]

Truth be told, I have the feeling we are surrounded what with all of the Merc powered cars.
These teams will do anything to get more powerful engines, n the more merc powered cars that
can come between us and the front, the better for merc.
Its as if merc is trying to own F1 as their own series n I dont like it. It would be better to have
more teams using other engines, or even some new engine mftr's to enter F1. But as it stands, we're
pretty well surrounded.

[Rishu]

First Sebastian jumping to Ferrari which in his eyes is a 'Myth' & then Ferrari leapfrogging Red Bull & challenging Mercedes. I feel for him, get well soon Helmet

[f1 alfa]

Why do these guys every week comes with a theory and try to make f1 ridiculous? Oh i know why. Becouse they are not automobile manufactor. All they need is publicity, like some tv time or magazine articles.

[Giallo 550]

It must have been when Rosberg invited Seb to their garage!!! :lol

[gjoko-mkd]

wow!!!!!!!!!!:lol

Red Bull are expecting a one lap pace gain of between 0.75-1.0 seconds relative to the competition in Barcelona.

http://thejudge13.com/2015/04/27/radical-rb11-to-be-revealed-in-barcelona/

[AfterLife]

I don't trust thejudge13 website but I trust RedBull and their ability to fight back. RedBull had faulty powerunit for the first four races. They will have better power unit and new aerodynamic package. RedBull is a great team and Adrian Newey is still there too.
In recent years all of us were witness how that RedBull could out develop all of the rivals by large margins.

[paneristi]

and after 1 lap the engines are kaput :Hmm

wow!!!!!!!!!!:lol

Red Bull are expecting a one lap pace gain of between 0.75-1.0 seconds relative to the competition in Barcelona.

http://thejudge13.com/2015/04/27/radical-rb11-to-be-revealed-in-barcelona/

[PadGeT]

Maybe, Marko needs to meet Vlad.

http://youtu.be/0M42yTeaqpQ
;-)

[speedmaster]

6334

[fratelliferrari]

6334

:lol

[JiruMaranello]

Its as if merc is trying to own F1 as their own series n I dont like it..

Heh, I just got a flashback to how much we claim of F1. We are the F. We are F1.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Maybe, Marko needs to meet Vlad.
http://youtu.be/0M42yTeaqpQ
;-)


I had the same reaction when Schumi's engine blew at Suzuka in '06. :-(