autoevolution
 

Ferrari, Massa Dismiss McLaren Criticism

Jenson Button's drivethrough penalty in the Australian Grand Prix, caused by his overtaking maneuver over Ferrari's Felipe Massa by cutting a chicane, was followed by criticism from the McLaren organization. Some of that criticism focused on the FIA stewards' decision and the way they judged the incident, while other comments referred to Ferrari's strategic pit call to Massa just before the decision was made.

Just to get an idea why McLaren were so frustrated, know that when such an overtaking maneuver is being made, the driver who overtook someone in an illegal manner has to give his position back in the race. In case the driver who was overtook pits before the FIA stewards make their decision, the “overtaker” will do a drivethrough.

I think that to be honest, that situation was quite straightforward,” argued Ferrari's team principal Stefano Domenicali, suggesting that the situation in Melbourne resembled very much to the one at Silverstone last year, when Fernando Alonso was penalized for pulling a similar move on Renault's Robert Kubica.

We had it in Silverstone and I think the approach of the stewards was correct after I saw after that Jenson cut the chicane. The new rules are stronger. It is not just the International Sporting Code now; it is in the sporting regulations that you have to respect the line of the track. For sure the approach would have been different if Jenson would have let Felipe pass.”

Additionally, Massa also addressed the criticism coming from Button, who told reporters that the Brazilian is one of the toughest drivers to overtake in the series.

It was a good fight, no?” said Massa after the race. “I was holding my position and he was not able to pass me. He tried many times and I was able to stay there many times. Then, when he passed me, he passed me in a not allowed situation. He had to give me back the position or they penalized him, which was the case.”

In the end, Button did manage to end the race in front of his Ferrari rival thanks to a better pitstop strategy, in 6th place.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories