Post-Australian Grand Prix Comments: Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren

Stefano Domenicali, boss of the Scuderia, says that Australia didn't prove or disprove anything about the new 2011 regulations. The variance in tire stops promises to create some drama throughout the season as some drivers required three changes, some two changes, and rookie Mexican driver, Perez, stopped just once, which might have made the Pirelli folk sing and dance with surprised joy.

The DRS movable wings did not make the dramatic difference some expected. The benefits of the new wing rules were about negated by the compensatory effect of the KERS systems. Domenicali points to Massa's successful defence of his position from Button's faster McLaren for almost 10 laps as evidence of the equalizing effect of some 2011 innovations.

Christian Horner admitted that McLaren's overnight efforts made outstanding advances between Friday practice and the Sunday race at Albert Park. At the same time, he expressed his confidence that his Red Bull team will spill not sweat to stay ahead. While Ferrari, McLaren, Renault-Lotus et al will be developing advantageous elements, so too will be Red Bull. Horner fully expects the mutual advances will simply keep his team ahead because they have some “good stuff” on its way ahead of the Malaysia Grand Prix.

Jenson Button did some uncharacteristic complaining against Ferrari when he claimed that Massa had forced him off the track, leaving him no alternative but to take to the escape road. That might be true, but it doesn't change the fact that one must return a position gained in that way or suffer the punishment. That's exactly what happened. If Ferrari did pit Massa at a moment that would prevent Button from returning the spot, hey Jense... it's a competition, not a square dance. As to Jenson's belief that he was ahead when he took the short cut...this observer doesn't know if that's true or not. I couldn't tell.

Martin Whitmarsh joked that if his McLaren team could advance in the next 10 days as well as they did the last 10 days they would easily stay up with Red Bull. At the same time, he is keenly aware of the encroaching potential of Ferrari and Mercedes. Although neither fared well at Melbourne's Grand Prix, Whitmarsh expects impressive advances from both rivals.

Paul di Resta enjoyed great satisfaction in the aftermath of the Australian Grand Prix. Although he finished in 12th position, the disqualification of both Sauber cars moved di Resta up to a 10th place finish. In his first F1 race, the Scot earned a World Championship point for his Force India team.

"Our pace was just a little bit behind, but hopefully by Malaysia we will be able to understand why and, when the upgrades come, perform at bit better,” he concluded.

Paul Hembrey, Pirelli's motorsport director described Perez's one-stop run at Melbourne's Albert Park as “exceptional.” Everyone at Pirelli was surprised and pleased with Perez's use of just two sets of tires for the entire race. The achievement placed the rookie on the Sauber team in a seventh point-scoring position, but was robbed of the points by the disqualification of both team cars for a movable wing size rule infraction.

Martin Whitmarsh, boss of McLaren, feels his team was “a bit harshly treated” when stewards in Australia penalized Button with a drive-through. The fight between Button, who was trying to pass the slower Ferrari of Massa, and Massa who did a splendid, honest job of defending went on for several laps, and was a most enjoyable feature of the race at Albert Park.

Vitaly Petrov was rightfully on cloud nine after his podium at Melbourne. It must be a great inspiration for the young Russian and the entire Renault-Lotus team.

“I feel ecstatic. It was a great feeling to be standing on the podium in front of my team, especially knowing what we have all been through over the winter with some very difficult moments. It shows that all the hard work and effort was worth it and I have to say thanks to everyone for giving me such a great car. I feel really good and I know we can have a great season.”

“We have an aggressive car, a special exhaust system, and it seems we are quite competitive, especially our race pace. We know that Red Bull and McLaren are very strong, too, but hopefully we can keep pushing them hard. I know we have some more aero parts coming for Sepang and I'm determined to continue fighting with these guys. Until then, I will go through the hundreds of congratulations messages I got...”