Ferrari Hits Back at Niki Lauda for Criticism

Ferrari did not wait long to answer their former Formula One champion Niki Lauda, after his outspoken criticism over the Scuderia’s team tactics in the German Grand Prix, at Hockenheim. Earlier this week, the Austrian had slammed Ferrari for using team orders to set up the final results of the German race, arguing that the Italians had mocked the F1 fans.

The response came only a few days later from Ferrari, whose “Horse Whisperer” – a column on their official website – hit back at Lauda’s accusations.

“After events in Hockenheim, a wave of hypocrisy swept through the paddock, with so many pundits, young and old, keen to have their say: some were promptly brought back into line by his master's voice, while others continue to pronounce sentence willy-nilly,” said the column.

“The latest missive comes from Austria, from a person, who having hung up his helmet, has never missed out on a chance to dispense opinions left and right, even if, on more than one occasion, he has had to indulge in some verbal acrobatics to reposition himself in line with the prevailing wind.”

“This time, good old Niki has missed out on a fine opportunity to keep his mouth shut, given that, when he was a Scuderia driver, the supposed Ferrari driver management policy suited him perfectly... That aside, where was all his moral fury when, over the past years, so many have been guilty of more or less overt hypocritical actions?”

Lauda had opinionated that Ferrari will suffer much graver consequences a few weeks from now, when they’ll appear in front of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) to explain their actions in Germany. So far, the Prancing Horse has walked away from the scandal with only a $100,000 fine from the F1 stewards.