Ferrari catching us with 'great strides' - Lauda

  • Published on 16 Mar 2016 15:14
  • comments 4
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Ferrari is now within an uncomfortable striking distance of Mercedes' dominance, according to Niki Lauda. "I see clearly that Ferrari is catching us with great strides," the F1 legend and Mercedes team chairman told the German broadcaster RTL. "I suspect they have moved to within two, three tenths of us. That's a dangerously small lead now."

Mercedes has utterly dominated the 'power unit' era so far and many expect a third consecutive installation in 2016, but Lauda thinks the gap is now close to insignificant. "The slightest mistake from us regarding strategy or tyres and that two-three tenths is quickly gone," he said.

Sebastian Vettel, the lead Ferrari driver, would seem to agree, declaring in his last European interview before addressing the media in Melbourne that the only goal for 2016 is the title. "I see it very positively that the expectations are high," he told Sport Bild. "My goal is very clearly to be world champion and to win races. Anything else is for me not good enough."

As for whether Ferrari really has closed the gap on Mercedes, Vettel warned: "That question can only be answered halfway seriously after a few races. But as a driver you always have to believe in yourself and your chances." (GMM)

Replies (4)

Login to reply
  • At times Im not sure whether Mercedes are sincere about this or if they are just making fun out of Ferrari and the rest. In any case, I hope Ferrari are much closer this year. Im not saying the last 2 seasons were boring, I dont think they were, but it'd be nice with another year like 2012, that year was intense.

    • + 0
    • Mar 16 2016 - 15:23
    • They are just saying things to put any thoughts engine equalization or rules changes to close the gap, put to to rest. They are self serving spoilsports after all no honest and noble deeds can be expected of them.

      • + 0
      • Mar 17 2016 - 10:06
  • ruestchiva

    Posts: 20

    I'm pretty sure Mercedes is being exagerated about this. They are creating speculation so that people feel better about their utter dominance. This year will be the same shit as previous with first places being occupied by Mercedes from the beginning to the end.

    • + 0
    • Mar 17 2016 - 01:09
    • Damn right, it is pathetic the way they say this with such confidence, no shame whatsoever. Bet this calls for a thorough extra investigation into their cars, confident liars have far more to hide, dodgy specs and blatant violations of the rules is not out of the question when it comes to such types.

      • + 0
      • Mar 17 2016 - 10:08

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 1,480
  • Podiums 56
  • Grand Prix 161
  • Country DE
  • Date of b. Jul 3 1987 (36)
  • Place of b. Heppenheim, DE
  • Weight 62 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar