Lauda slams 'bullsh*t' time penalties
Lauda slams 'bullsh*t' time penalties
Mercedes executive chairman Niki Lauda has furiously lambasted the 'bullsh*t' penalties which were given to certain drivers last season, and also claimed that the current format of penalising is hampering competition between the performers out on the Formula One track.
Various fines were handed out to drivers last season, but it was a particular incident involving Max Verstappen overtaking Kimi Raikkonen off the track, only to be penalised, which left fans and team members alike slamming the decision as inconsistent.
Lauda thinks that the circuits themselves have developed well over the years, but thinks drivers should not be curtailed during races by fines and penalties.
“First of all, the circuits have had the right development over the last 30 years," Lauda told F1 Racing.
“This was the way F1 had to go, there’s no question about it. But all this bullshit of penalties if you go over a white line or whatever, I hate.
“It’s completely wrong, stops the guys racing, and gives an opportunity for other drivers to complain. So then immediately someone passes them, they come on the radio and say ‘he passed the white line!’ Are you guys nuts?
“Use every road you can pass, because the best guys are racing and if the FIA doesn’t like it, then build kerbs. If there are no kerbs let them race, don’t penalise anybody.
“Let them race. Don’t interfere. It’s an FIA problem and I’ve spoken to Charlie [Whiting] a hundred times – and open things up.”
One huge change coming in F1 is the introduction of the halo device which is designed to protect the head of the driver from potential falling debris after a crash. However, Lauda thinks drivers who are not prepared for the danger should stay at home.
“I’m completely against the Halo,” he added.
“No one is forcing drivers into racing, you have to decide before, do you want to do this or not?
“These guys are the best in the world and those who can’t take it need to stay at home. Therefore, I don’t like this development and if it keeps on going, no one will watch F1 because the drivers will not be heroes anymore.”
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ricciardo given HUGE boost after upgrade claim
- 7 minutes ago
‘Absolute b******s’ - Newey’s wife SLAMS Red Bull F1 claims
- 1 hour ago
Norris INJURED at party with legendary DJ
- 2 hours ago
Newey tipped to POACH key Red Bull staff if he joins F1 rivals
- 3 hours ago
F1 paddock favourite admits immense DOUBTS over Verstappen Red Bull future
- Today 17:57
Hamilton F1 rival makes SURPRISE claim about Ferrari move
- Today 16:57
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860