Dieter Zetsche says Ferrari's win at the 2018 season opener is "good for the championship". He is chairman of Daimler, the parent of Mercedes who have won the past four world championships and are once again favourites in 2018. Speaking to the Italian news agency Ansa, Zetsche said of Sebastian Vettel's surprise win: "It was good for the championship."
Some think Mercedes will ultimately win the title, though, amid reports the German team has even cracked the 1000hp ceiling with its engine. "Whether it's Renault, Ferrari or us, we are not far from that (number) but we have not quite reached it yet," team boss Toto Wolff told Kleine Zeitung newspaper.
But within weeks, engine makers will be presented with more details about Liberty Media's plans for the 2021 engine regulations. Ferrari and Mercedes are not happy that the rules could change considerably. "Formula one is high-tech," said Wolff. "And we have to get that message across in order to not lose credibility. The engine should be basically be similar to today, although perhaps less complicated."
Others, however, think Ferrari and Mercedes should take their F1 quit threats and actually follow through for the good of the sport. "The sooner Mercedes and Ferrari break away the better as far as I'm concerned," 1996 world champion Damon Hill said on Twitter. "These massive industrial complexes are ruining the sport. They don't want to play. They want it all, and all the time. The FIA have lost grip of F1." (GMM)
While a Mercedes dominance has taken its toll on excitement in Formula 1, I appreciate Mercedes always expressing (at least in words) interest in improving the 'show' in F1. Overly dominant teams are usually not great for the show, but I must say that at least Mercedes has allowed their drivers to race each other, there's been some excitement there. They haven't applied obscene team orders. I'd take this Mercedes dominance over Ferrari or Red Bull's any day.
I agree, although they dont need team orders anymore, the difference between Bottas and Hammy is too great. I generally find Merc to be a pretty sportsmanlike team, and I appreciate that in them, but I just cant bring myself to have them as my favourite team.
Of course it's "good for the championship". That's why the results between Mercedes and Ferrari are fixed. They work together and plan who will be first on Saturday and Sunday in advance. Ferrari gets technical help and can win a few races, but in the end they have to give the championship to Mercedes.
The whole 2017 season was scripted between these two. Under normal circumstances Mercedes would lap the field every race and nobody would watch it.
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C. Sainz jr
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calle.itw
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A win that isnt Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull would be good for F1, methinks.