Australian Grand Prix 2019 – FIA Pilots press conference transcript

DRIVERS – Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes), Sebastian VETTEL (Ferrari), Daniel RICCIARDO (Renault), Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing), Robert KUBICA (Williams)

PRESS CONFERENCE

We are meeting in very sad circumstances following the announcement of the death of Charlie Whiting, Director of the FIA ​​Formula 1, in the early hours of this morning. I would like to start this press conference by asking each of the pilots present to give their impressions and their memories of Charlie. Lewis, could we start with you, please?
Lewis Hamilton: I've known Charlie since I started in 2007. I made a few comments this morning on my Instagram account. It may not have worked, because I think the situation is down, but obviously incredibly shocked this morning to hear the sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. What he did for the sport, I mean, his commitment … it was really a pillar, as Toto, an emblematic figure of the sports world, said, and he contributed so much to us, peace.

Q: Sebastian?
Sebastian Vettel: Well, I guess I've been as shocked as we are today, when I'm on the news this morning, especially because I talked to her yesterday and that I went through the track with him in the first turns. Hard to grasp when someone is not there anymore. To add to what Lewis said. I've known him for a long time and it's kind of our man, the driver. Obviously, there are regulations and everything else, then there is us and he was the intermediary. It was someone who could be asked for anything, anytime. It was open to everyone at all times. His door was still open. He was a runner. It was just a very nice guy. Shocked. I do not think there is much to add. I think of all our thoughts, the whole paddock, the whole circus, the whole family of Formula One; all our thoughts go to him and especially to his family in these difficult circumstances.

Q: And Robert?
Robert KUBICA: As Seb and Lewis say, it's a difficult time. I saw Sebastian walk with Charlie yesterday and I thought I would not interrupt them because I would see him Friday at the Pilots Briefing. Unfortunately, this will not be the case. It's very sad. He was a kind of Formula One icon. As Sebastian said, he was a runner, but also respected everything that was provided for in the regulations. He was really the kind of person who could always be trusted and committed. A very sad moment. I think of his family, but unfortunately it's like that.

Q: And Max, please?
Max Verstappen: As everyone has said, I think it was a shock, especially because I spent the day with him in Geneva a few weeks ago and we had a good discussion, about a lot of things . When I left at that time, I thought, "We're in Australia for another race season" and when you hear that, it's amazing, just 66 years old. I guess we just have to appreciate every day and every morning that you wake up and enjoy life, and that it's not just Formula One, but there are many other things in life and it's only part of it. And yes, I think for the moment the most important thing is that thoughts go to family, friends and loved ones.

Q: And Daniel?
Daniel RICCIARDO: I echo everything. Not the most beautiful news to enter. Caught unawares, for sure. I will try to make it slightly more positive. As Seb said, he was there for us and we gave him a hard time. We really pushed him and pushed him and made him work, but he was always very receptive and we always felt like we were on our side. I guess we were like a broken record with a lot of things we could complain about but it never really closed. He was always open ears. I think he's done a lot for the sport. We will have very good and positive memories of him. I remember my first Australian GP, ​​in 2012, up. I remember we were with Franz and he's going to "introduce you to Charlie; it's the beginning of a new season "and starts the relationship with good news. Time flies, but as Max mentioned, it's important to appreciate it every moment. You take it for granted. I am sure we will all be running with a lot of pbadion this weekend and it just reminds us that we are all very lucky to be in this position.

Obituary: Charlie Whiting

Q: Thanks to you five. A few more questions for each of you, and Daniel, we'll stay with you. Your home race is still busy, but how have these days gone?
DR: Occupied! But it's ok; I'm actually used to it now. It's planned. But, you know, busy is fine; that means people are driving and excited about the start of the season. Many things have changed. I changed teams and that created a lot of other changes in the F1 paddock and other moving teams of pilots. It is sure that it is a cool and busy season. Doing some activities – drove a V8 Supercar yesterday; Max was saying that he was a pbadenger today, so discuss some of that. It's funny. It's fun when you can reconcile some less fun media engagements with a little fun. But now we are getting closer. We are within 24 hours of driving the car. We are excited to be on the right track, but we are also looking forward to seeing the hierarchy. I think we could draw some conclusions from the tests but not a lot, so we'll see where we are.

Q: I was going to ask you questions about the findings of the tests. How close is Renault to the first three teams?
DR: Not sure … Not sure, so we'll see how we go. The second week, the last two days, we had some new parts on the car and they seem more promising for our development, so it was encouraging. I think we left the test more encouraged. We will see. Judging by the first three cars, I do not even know where they are at the moment, but yes, a few more days and you'll know.

Q: Thank you Daniel. Robert, come to your house: this is your first race since 2010, can you describe your emotions as you approach this weekend?
RK: Yes, it's been a long time, far from the sport. Emotions … to be honest, you do not really have a lot of time to think about it, you are focused on the work, focused on the things to do. Try to learn as much as you can about the new F1. Things have changed a lot since my last race here. I'm just trying to prepare myself; trying to be ready. The winter tests were not perfect to start, so there is a lot to check, to see how they will unfold and yes, let's see.

Q: As you said, the winter tests were difficult for the team: the car arrived late in Barcelona. What is the realistic goal for you and your team?
RK: Unfortunately, we were late for winter testing and it's not like you're getting back in a week. So there are still things to be sorted out. The guys are pushing hard, especially on the track but also in the factory. It's a tough time, but we have to make sure we do everything we can in the current situation. We can not change it, so we must focus on what we have. There is no point in wasting energy or time and thinking about hard work. We just need to do our job and it is approaching every member of the team we meet. We must make sure we maximize our opportunities from what we have.

Q: Max, coming to your house, the management of Red Bull Racing has been very optimistic about this new package. What do you think?
MV: I guess we'll find out, is not it? I think that so far we have had a good winter test, not too many problems, and I was very happy with the way everyone worked together, which I think is very important and which is a good start. Of course, integrate the new engine into the chbadis, but that did not seem to cause us any problems, so we are very happy. I could do most of my races, so it was very positive, but in terms of performance, I think it's a bit difficult to judge just when we are exactly. I did not have time to run, or anything, but yes, we are happy with what we did. Of course, I think it can always be better, I think everyone has this thought. I guess here – but not only here in Melbourne – we will know throughout the beginning of the season when we will stand.

Q: What is the current atmosphere of the team with the new partnership with Honda? Do you feel that it is a little more optimistic than in the past?
MV: I think everyone is very motivated, very positive and very focused on their work.

Q: Sebastian, come to your house, the fastest winter test. Do you feel in a better position now than you were at the same time last year?
SV: Yeah. Quite frankly, because I think last winter 's testing did not go well and we had some problems to solve. We obviously had a bit of luck during the race weekend with the safety car to win – but yes, I think in this respect that we are more prepared. Our car seems to be working well: no problem at this stage. That said, we obviously can not do better than last year's result. It is therefore a difficult weekend that awaits us. Always the beginning, you are a little nervous, you do not know exactly where you are. You do not know what will happen, but yes, I think we are … you know … the spirit is good, the atmosphere is good, we are happy to be here and start running.

Q: And just a quick note on the changes to the technical regulations during the winter. Do you think it will be possible to follow another car closer this year than last year?
SV: Well, the tests do not consist of following other cars and doubling. So, I did not have many, but it did not seem to make a difference. Hopefully this will be better and easier this year. We will see. Obviously, the DRS is a little different. It's a little bigger delta, so let's see. I did not have much experience in testing to draw a complete conclusion.

Q: Lewis, hard to read the Mercedes test form. What is your point of view?
LH: I do not think there is much to … it's not hard to read. I think it was pretty clear, but it's hard to know what everyone is doing. So naturally, we will not know it completely until we get in the car tomorrow and, by qualifying, you will get a better picture and, generally, in the first races. It's when you really start to get an idea of ​​everyone's position – but we said we had work to do and that we were not talking about BS. We have work.

Q: From an internal perspective, how important was continuity – stability both in terms of driving and on a technical level?
LH: On the motor side, continuity is what works. We have a good couple and I think Valtteri and I together have worked well for years and there is no reason to change it. If it is not broken, do not fix it. In terms of team, we have so many incredible people on the team and the energy … it's a source of inspiration to see so many people so enthusiastic and mobilized. Communication is better than ever. Just after the test, I returned and Toto gathered the troops. We are all sitting in the same place. It's really impressive to see so many people pbadionate about their job, racing enthusiasts, wanting to do a better job and always wanting to improve. And know where they can improve – it's really, really cool to see. Really encouraging. I just know it's the soldiers. They are the real ones, the true fighters of the team, and I know they will give everything so that we can continue to progress.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

Q: (Scott Mitchell – Autosport) Lewis, you talked about the need to improve after the tests. Valtteri said that he had already noticed improvements from you. Do you share that trust, do you think they've already made gains? And for Seb, you said you're more prepared this year. Do you feel different coming here, arguably like the hunted rather than the hunter?
LH: Naturally, of course, after a test, you always improve the next day, as the car ages and ages throughout the test. He wears and then you go, you badyze where you have been. New information is put in the wind tunnel, the engineers have new information and work on it. So everyone steps back after the tests. The car will be cooler here, we'll understand it a lot better, but I think it's the same for everyone. We did not bring updates. It will be interesting to see how the Red Bull upgrade works. I know other people, Ferrari usually bringing an upgrade for the first race, so it will be interesting to see.

SV: Well, at this point, I think we are all hunters and we are all hunted. We have zero points. At this point, I do not feel like that. But if we leave here, we will be in the position of the hunted. It's the target.

Q: (Andrew Benson – BBC Sport) Sebastian. Your team leader has stated that in particular situations you will be favored. What do these particular situations mean? How will you be promoted at the beginning of the season?
SV: I do not think it is very useful to go into certain situations. I think it's very clear and that Mattia also made it very clear that we are free to run, free to run against each other. I think Charles will do his best to help himself and the team and it's the same for me. I will do my best to help and help the team. So, in the end, we run for Ferrari and that means we are trying to bring Ferrari back to where we've been trying to do it for two years. This is the main priority and the rest is a very long season and I think it's a bit useless for now to start presenting some scenarios.

Q: (Dan Knutson – Auto Action / Speed ​​Sport) If I could ask everything briefly, what do you think of the new point rule for the fastest lap?
MV: I do not know. I think it can be fun but it can work against you as well when you're fighting for a title – but I guess time will tell you how it's going to be – but for sure you can play with it, team .

LH: That's 21 extra points, so I think it will be interesting to see how people are trying to get them, so it should be interesting.

DR: Yeah. At first, when I just heard about it, I thought it was all … it's good that they limited it to the top ten. So you potentially have something to lose if you go for a new set of tires to get the best lap in the race. Yes, we will see. I did not really think about it. See how it goes. I do not think that will decide a championship, but I do not think that will be the case.

SV: I do not know. I do not expect much change. We will see after a few races if there is a change.

RK: I think that unfortunately does not affect us much. At least for the moment. But yes, additional point. He can unlock strange scenarios at the end of the race with stinging cars and it will open. We'll see three, four cars come in suddenly. It will depend. It will be a kind of domino. But as I said, it did not really interest me.

Q: (Alessandro Sala – tercerequipo.com) Speaking of the hunter equation for Mr. Crocodile Daniel. 1980, Alan Jones, last Australian to win in Australia. After 40 years, it's time to try, with the permission of some other players, to win. We hope to see a good dive in Albert Park Lake. Do you?
DR: With me, not with my car, is not it? I might need the help of other people, probably at the beginning of the season, but yes, there is a chance to overtake. I think at the beginning there will not be too many starts in the first row. So, there will definitely be cars ahead. The victory may be optimistic in a few days, but yes, as a hunter, it will always be very fun this year. Try to continue like this. More than ever with, I suppose, midfield battles in which we will be at the beginning. It's going to be cool. Does that answer your question? I will try to win, of course.

They are already a little crazy, Australians, but yes, if we could remove that, lock your doors.

Q: (Joost Nederpelt – NU.NL) Max, you said that some things could have been better. What is it that could have been better?
MV: Some things. I can not go into details, can I? No I can not.
SV: Otherwise what? Daniel comes after you with his knife!

Q: (Giles Richards – Guardian) Lewis and Sebastian, how important is it for each of you to score your authority for the championship early this season, in those first four races?
LH: It's a long season, so I do not think it's the most important thing. I think it's really about finishing the races, badyzing and making sure you get as many points as you can, of course, but I'm not really the kind of person who needs to score the authority .

SV: Yes, pretty much the same. I do not think we're going to win here, I do not think we're going to lose here. It's a long way. I hope we have a solid, solid team that allows us to fight for the end of the year.

Q: (Stylianos Alepidis – F1fan.gr) Sebastian, the last two championships where you did not reach your goal. The Italian media have weighed heavily on the shoulders against the expectations of the tifosi. Now under the new leadership of Mr. Binotto, do you think that with the new attitude of the communications department towards the media, the most intense later phases of the championship will unfold differently?
SV: I'm not sure the media will make a difference unless you can transfer points to my account. I think it's a new year, of course (there have been) some changes. Of course, we will focus on trying to do our job as best as we can. I think there is a lot of pbadion in this team that is ready to express itself and to express itself. I think it's the best thing we can do, it's the target, but as I said, there are so many races, such a long way, We depend on so many things, but as much that we can control things, we try to take them in hand and do our work. As I said, so far, the atmosphere is good, the spirit is inside the team and we try to integrate it in the season. As for the expectations, I think it's normal when you finished second the year before, it's a disaster, because you finished second, second, third or fourth is the same disaster. The winner wins everything, so in this case, Lewis has been in this position in recent years and we are trying to remedy the situation.

Q: (Rene Oudman – Racing News 365) The first Grand Prix of the season marks the end of the winter holidays, a period during which you have more free time. What is the nicest, funniest or strangest thing you have done in the winter of 2018/2019?
RK: Complicated.

SV: You had a longer winter break though.

RK: Yes, I had a little longer than the others. In fact, this winter has been busy enough so … I think that starting to work with the team, knowing that you will be racing driver, will make a big difference for the last seven winters. The most beautiful, probably, was a bike week, which was good, combining a bit of hobby workout and fun.

SV: I do not know. I guess I just spend time at home preparing my own breakfast, which I really enjoy. Yeah, pretty boring maybe but I enjoyed it. I went skiing several times, it was nice, there was snow.

DR: Like, just be at home and it's summer for me so … yes, Australia. In fact, what was really good was that I did not go to an airport for six weeks and it was … I think it was the longest ten years I was down plane, so it was really nice. I liked being outside. I have bikes and mountain bikes. I want to do things that go fast, just like that, go out with friends, maybe part with a pair of beers, but that's about it all. It's more logical when you drink it … But yes, to die out literally especially after last year, it was important for me to calm down. Can I just lighten things too? Robert mentioned that he had a long winter break. I do not think we all know how much he managed to come back here, so I think it's great to see him again. I've known him since I arrived in Europe in 2007, which seems like a long time, but yes, it's just a testimony of his character and I will not ask everyone to applaud him, but I really think it's great for him to be here. We can applaud, yes.

LH: I do not remember much. I mean that the winter holidays ended a while ago, since we have … February, once you are back in the factory and you are working with the l & # 39; team, you have to make sure that you are in shape and ready for the first race ended for a while so it's like in the past but there is skydiving. Surfing. I wanted to do it here, but I did not find any place to go. I just can not go where there are sharks, man, and every Australian I meet is like "nah, nah, everything will be fine, if a shark comes to you, hit him in the face." Australians are really a little crazy, huh?

DR: I would like to say that I would do the same thing, but no, they scare me too.

LH: But yes, if not about the same as everyone else. The break is a really precious time you spend with your family and friends. It's time to think about the race. Once the season starts, you're on tour all year and you never really lose sight of your targets.

MV: I guess I like that mid-December is a little free time and that you can spend time with your family and friends, but starting in January, it's just a workout , so I do not feel like a break anymore because you're just busy. It has happened more exciting things, others less, but should I share them? I do not think so.

Q: (Rebecca Clancy – The Times) Lewis, as it was mentioned, Ferrari said he would favor Sebastian at times. Have there been similar conversations at Mercedes or are you just free to run?
LH: We are free to run like every year, so it was even said at the beginning of … back to the factory and it's repeated today and that's how I like it. This means that we both have a good ball, but that is the same thing every year and that only a driver has the chance to win the champion if we have the chance to win. to be in this position. but generally we are still free to run so I think it's great.