Mateschitz: “Nobody understands these tires”
After Michael Schumacher, it is Dietrich Mateschitz's turn to express concerns about tire management, which would turn F1 into a "lottery." He also shares his impressions of the team in good form this early season, Lotus F1.
« F1 is more exciting and unpredictable than ever. » These are the words Dietrich Mateschitz used to describe, to *Autosport*, the beginning of the 2012 Formula 1 season, which saw five drivers from five different teams win the first five races, a first since 1983 when Nelson Piquet (Brabham), John Watson (McLaren), Alain Prost (Renault), Patrick Tambay (Ferrari) and Keke Rosberg (Williams) took turns on the top step of the podium.
The owner of Red Bull continued: « Obviously, this is the consequence of the regulatory changes that took place before the season, the top teams have closed the gap. I have always had confidence in the potential of our RB8, and I still do, no doubt. » After a dominant 2011 season, particularly due to its technological lead in the field of aerodynamics and blown exhausts, the hierarchy has been reshuffled, to the disadvantage of the double world champion team, despite the fact that Sebastian Vettel is currently leading the championship, with one victory to his credit.
The hierarchy is therefore new, but above all unpredictable. Mr. Mateschitz has his idea about the people responsible for these fluctuations: « But everyone has to learn F1 all over again. It’s become a sort of lottery to find the tire operating window. And I don’t believe this is intended to create more overtaking and race tensions. I suppose nobody really understands these tires. » Comments that partially echo those made by Michael Schumacher following the Bahrain Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, however, was more vociferous: « I simply ask if the tires should have such importance. They should last a bit longer so we can race at normal speed and not as if we were behind the safety car ».
Considered the most consistent team at the start of the season, the owner of Red Bull admits to being surprised by Lotus F1 and questions the near future of the Enstone team: « Lotus has been the biggest surprise of all. I think Kimi had the pace to win in Bahrain. The question is how long Lotus will be able to keep up the pace in terms of the development work and equipment they will bring. If they can, they will be a force to be reckoned with. »
