Vettel plays down meaning of 'V12' outburst
Sebastian Vettel says he would think about quitting Formula 1 if a better racing series existed.
When he retired at Sochi with a complex power unit problem that meant he had to do a 'safety jump' from the Ferrari, he said on the radio: "Bring back the f*cking V12s."
"The power units are very complex," the German told Speed Week.
"From a technical point of view they're certainly very fascinating, but I have my opinion too. And I think they bring no great benefit for the racing or the spectators."
It is a difficult time for the quadruple world champion, with his former boss Dr Helmut Marko opining that Vettel has "no future" at Ferrari as young teammate Charles Leclerc works to get the upper hand.
Before retiring in Russia, Vettel refused to obey Ferrari's order that he pull over to let Leclerc pass for the lead.
The Italian media senses big trouble ahead.
"The biggest problem Maranello needs to solve is the relationship between the two drivers," said La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Corriere dello Sport agreed, describing the situation as "open war".
"Toxic mood at Ferrari," Tuttosport added.
Corriere della Sera explained: "If the relationship between them is already so difficult with no world title at stake, what might happen next year?"
But Vettel said his frustrated comment about V12s is not a sign that he is set to quit F1.
"There's no other racing series like Formula 1 that uses V12 engines, otherwise I would think about it," he said.
Vettel also played down the greater significance of his radio outburst.
"I was having a very good race and I broke down, so your first reaction is not going to be very happy about it," he said.
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All formula cars will be equipped with a bar of soap and highly astringent mouthwash. Drivers will fully wash their mouths, and gargle, before they go on the radio. FCC will have full time monitors at each and every race.
There you have it Simon! So Vettel is correct, bring back the V12's and no need to equip the cars with mouthwash dispensers, soap bars and additional monitors! LOL!
Seb's replies are priceless and enlightening and he never fails to amuse us even his many critics. What a guy!
Emm looks like Vettel needs a history lesson. He had 1 retirement in 21'ish races last year and has so far had 1 retirement in 16'ish races this year. A V12 is unlikely to be 100% and would probably be far more unreliable and drink petrol, maybe more fun though. Oh and it never resulted in close racing
Don't forget the V12 noise is 1.000x better!!!
Which illustrates the false premise(s) of the current regulations: they regulate end results rather than sporting rules and conditions.
If FIA would strictly regulate the size (displacement) of engines and fuel consumptions these issues would not arise. If one team chooses to spend their 3,000 ccm on a turbo v-6, and another opts to go V-12, or V-8 or any other configuration that's their prerogative and their business.
if only
You have to blame the "Manufactures" for the mess F1 is in, before they were the ruling part it was good racing with plenty of competition, now it's just a few really racing.
Are you sure of that?
Isn't it really the governing body, the FIA, that came up with all these arcane rules and ideas?
Manufacturers' hands are tied. Just look at two recent instances:
Ferrari is accused of the dual battery technology producing extra power giving them more speed. They are all looking to penalise them for that.
Ricciardo was heavily penalised as the Renault was accused of "harvesting" more power than allowed.
The bottom line is: innovation is not discouraged, but heavily sanctioned.
The term that comes to mind is: racket!