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Ferrari Mocked F1 Fans in Germany - Lauda

Niki Lauda may have won a couple of F1 titles while wearing an all-red racing suit, but he seems to recall things were slightly different in that age. Back then, Ferrari would not have turned to team tactics to help one of its drivers won the world title, and the Austrian champion demands nothing less from the Prancing Horse nowadays also.

After publicly slamming the Maranello team for their tactics in the German Grand Prix – when Felipe Massa was suggested from the pit box to let Alonso pass him for glory – Lauda reiterated his critic this week. He compared Ferrari's strategy with Red Bull's and argued that the latter clearly respects the fans more than the Scuderia does.

You have two models of how to race in Formula 1 as a team. If you approach it politically then you are in the Ferrari mould. Or you try to give both your drivers equal opportunities and the fans an exciting sport, as Red Bull are doing in letting their drivers compete with each other,” said Lauda in a recent interview with Formula One's official website.

Red Bull have actually paid for their “fair tactics” this season, with the Turkish Grand Prix being the perfect example of how a team can ruin a perfect 1-2 finish in the name of “sporting justice.” Sebastian Vettel then collided with teammate Mark Webber while trying to pass him for 1st place, eventually having to retire due to extensive damage to his car. Webber went on to finish 3rd, after leading the race for most of the time.

That is what makes this sport a crowd puller because they see the best guys in the best cars racing each other with a 'may the best man win' philosophy - and not mocking the fans with a collusive result. But I am aware that this is a topic where opinions differ,” added the Austrian ex-driver.

Ferrari have received a $100,000 fine for their team tactics in Germany – a penalty that they haven't contested – and are summoned to appear before the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on September 8 to explain their actions.
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