Ferrari crisis is exaggerated - Lauda
Mar.14 (GMM) It is already being described as a 'crisis', but former Ferrari driver Niki Lauda is sure Ferrari's situation in early 2012 is not that bad.
"The Italians always exaggerate," the triple world champion, who won two titles with the famous Maranello based team in the 70s, is quoted by German RTL television.
"Everything is either great or everything is negative. I don't think the Ferrari is as bad as it's being made out.
"I do know that the McLaren and Red Bull are very similar and Mercedes follows closely behind. Then comes Ferrari -- but things can change very quickly," added Lauda.
As ever in Ferrari's high-pressure Italy, however, the stakes are high and every episode is amplified -- such as when comments made by Felipe Massa apparently contradicted Pat Fry's prediction that an early podium is unlikely.
I don't think the Ferrari is as bad as it's being made out
"In my head is the thought that we can fight for the podium," Brazilian Massa insisted after landing in Australia this week, "but that doesn't mean that I don't agree with what Pat Fry said in Barcelona."
Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, admitted Ferrari has no choice but to initially "grit our teeth" until the F2012 improves.
"First of all, we have to see exactly where we are in terms of being competitive and then give our all to bring home as many points as possible in this early stage of the championship," said the Spaniard.
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
On this day: Michael Schumacher wins… and stuns tifosi with F1 retirement
Defendant ordered to pay £250,000 legal fees in Felipe Massa F1 title case
Felipe Massa’s F1 2008 lawsuit will proceed to trial
F1 Spanish GP at Madring: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Why Charles Leclerc isn't using latest ADUO2 engine in the Spanish GP
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
No rushed comebacks: A paradigm shift in MotoGP?
How Monza revealed the true picture – Max Verstappen responds to FIA's surprising ADUO verdict
Oliver Solberg urges “clever” approach as tyre fears grow for Saturday at WRC Chile
Max Verstappen reveals laid-back approach to 100-driver Silverstone challenge
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP
What F1's risky Madrid bet needs to get right in order to pay off
The deeper meaning of Vettel’s emotional Schumacher demo run at Monza
Why new Madrid F1 circuit will be a "challenging" test of cars and engines
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments