FEATURE
T
he airwaves around Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
were sizzling with anger, frustration and expletives
during the final stages of the Mexican Grand Prix,
as Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull duo Daniel
Ricciardo and Max Verstappen slugged it out, wheel-to-wheel
for third place.
Auto Motor und Sport have managed to uncensor the
‘beeps’ and decipher the radio communications between
the three drivers during the highly entertaining final laps
in Mexico, plus obtain previously unaired communications
between the trio during the heat of the moment.
On lap 68 Vettel attacks Verstappen for third place, the
Ferrari driver slip-streaming up to the Red Bull down the main
straight, Verstappen brakes late and is forced to cut the track,
traveling over the grass, but emerges still ahead of the Ferrari.
What ensued is a ferocious battle between the trio, as
well as choice radio communications between them and their
respective teams.
Lap 68
Red Bull to Verstappen: Ok, give the position. I think you’re
going to have to give the position back, Max
Verstappen: Let me know!
Red Bull to Verstappen: Ok, stay there!
Vettel: He has to let me go, he has to let me go.
Ferrari to Vettel: Ok, copy. Stay calm!
Vettel: No, it’s not right… I do not stay calm, because he is
blocking me into Ricciardo
Ferrari to Vettel: Copy that.
Ferrari to Vettel: We’re on it with Charlie.
Ferrari to Vettel: Ok. Verstappen has to give you the position.
Watch for Ricciardo behind!
Red Bull to Ricciardo: Okay mate, so let’s keep it smooth.
Take advantage when you can.