The curtain was finally raised on the 2014 Formula 1 season with the opening race in Albert Park last weekend. We should be talking about the mighty performance of Nico Rosberg and the other young superstars who showered themselves with glory.
Instead, we’re all talking about Daniel Ricciardo’s disqualification.
Most people heard the news the morning after the race, even those who watched it in person (the ones that value their sleep anyway). Awkward workplace conversations reach a cul de sac when a layperson asks, “What was he disqualified for?”
It’s not an easy question to answer. At the very least, it’s difficult to frame the decision in a way that seems justified.
I’ve heard every possible theory. Everything from, “Red Bull will get off on appeal,” to, “Ricciardo only took second place because they cheated”. As is so often the case the truth lies somewhere between these extremities.
By now everyone knows two things. Firstly, the fuel flow metres being used by Red Bull on the weekend were not reliably accurate.
Certainly not befitting the highly regulated world of Formula 1. Secondly, in light of the inaccuracy of the metres Red Bull used their own data to determine their fuel flow rate – despite having agreed with, and been directed by, the FIA to a lower fuel flow rate.
In their own untimely manner the FIA released a statement justifying the disqualification. Two sentences from that document tell the story:
“The homologated fuel flow sensor will be the primary measurement of the fuel flow and will be used to check compliance with Articles 5.1.4 and 5.1.5 of the F1 Technical Regulations…”
“Under Art. 3.2 of the Sporting Regulations it is the duty of the team to ensure compliance with the Technical Regulations throughout the Event.”
In plain language, no matter what happens with the fuel flow it’s up to the FIA to ajudicate.
Red Bull cried foul play and claimed they would lodge an appeal within the mandatory four days. They have since spent every available hour drafting it, but I don’t like their chances.
Red Bull seems to value their data and procedures over the sport’s governing body, and have deservedly been accused of arrogance.
If the issue had presented itself after the race and they hadn’t been in discussion with the FIA before and during the race it might have been a different story.
This should come as a shock to no-one. Their win-at-all-costs philosophy manifests itself in their poster-child Sebastian Vettel who isn’t known for his tolerance of pesky nuisances. Like, say, his teammates.
Hopefully the Vettel apologists who have backed him since the incident in Malaysia last year cringed when they heard him complaining on the team radio, insisting Red Bull do something about his lack of performance.
Few people expected either of the Red Bull cars to reach the chequered flag, so I’m not sure why Vettel was so surprised.
His frustration smacks of jealousy, his petulant streak was fully unveiled.
Vettel’s immaturity was not unlike Daniil Kvyat who bemoaned his workload during practice sessions and insisted his team order Jean Eric-Vergne out of his way.
The difference being one is a four time world champion, the other was on debut and coincidentally snatched Vettel’s record for the youngest driver to ever score a world championship point.
I can only feel for Daniel Ricciardo. Although Formula 1 is a team sport, the result doesn’t boil down to a win/lose/draw scenario.
If the fuel flow data can be proven as unreliable, demonstrating that Red Bull had no unfair advantage over the other teams and, as the FIA have confirmed with their statement, that Ricciardo has done nothing wrong, then the team is responsible for breaching the rules.
A just outcome could look something like this – deny the team any championship points (perhaps backed with a sizeable fine) but reinstate Ricciardo’s position.
Unfortuately racing doesn’t take place in a perfect, hermetic bubble and it isn’t always a fair sport.
We must accept the decision that has been made.
It’s tragic that Ricciardo, the first Australian to stand on the podium for an Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, is denied his due recognition because of the actions of his team.
The sins of the team should not be visited on the driver. Were the tables turned however, and a driver puts his car in the wall (as Daniel did in Singapore last year), the team is similarly denied a result.
International press have trumpeted the arrival of new talent like Kevin Magnussen who on debut delivered Maclaren’s first podium in over a year, and the brilliant Valterri Bottas who, with a decent car underneath him can finally show us all what he is really made of.
Despite the cynicism of the Red Bull decision, the 2014 season is shaping us as an absolute belter. Daniel Ricciardo has shown that he is a genuine contender, and I’m sure with his first taste of success he’ll find it seductive.
He has still written himself into the Formula 1 history books, albeit with an asterisk next to his name.
Far from the farce the newspapers decry, there’s plenty to get excited about ahead of Malaysia.
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