41 replies to this topic

[SophieB]

I always enjoy the couple of minutes after every race that Our Heroes make awkward small talk with each other before the podium ceremony can start. I figured I wasn't alone in this so I have made this thread in which we can do stuff like try and work out what they're saying to each other or point out which drivers seem on good terms and which are not.

I suggest that we try and keep things lighthearted. Reading tons of significance into glances and gestures is definitely part of the fun but ultimately, even though it's really the only time we see the drivers talking outside of a structured interview, it's still only a snapshot of how they are with each other. And they still know they're on TV so will behave accordingly. Most of the time! And obviously, if this mutates into a driver v driver thread, the plug will be pulled.

Anyway, caveats aside, on to this week's chat, which I thought was pretty good as far as these things go. Pleasantly surprising to see Lewis being so friendly to Sebastian and all credit to Sebastian for responding so well to it. Not surprising to see Fernando and Sebastian being distant with each other but interesting that Lewis seemed a lot less open to talking to him too.

Edited to add: seriously - this thread is not an excuse to talk about who the best driver might be. That way madness lies. Even worse, thread closure lies that way too!

[undersquare]

Yeah interesting thread.  I think Nando races with such intensity he's often a bit out of it at the end and the others don't expect to get much out of him.  But these guys can interact at different levels not necessarily hugs and kisses, there can be distant respect that is fine for them.

 

Lewis keen to let Nando know he LET him through at La Source  

 

Yes it was nice to see Lewis being friendly to Sebi for once.  I reckon he's learning respect for his driving.  Giving him a good manly shove lol.

[ForzaGTR]

I thought Lewis spraying the F1 podium girls (whatever you call them) with champagne was funny

 

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=byL32yDacKI

[DutchQuicksilver]

Seeing them talk after the race really makes you think they are normal guys who enjoyed a good race. Really nice to see.

[SophieB]

Yes it was nice to see Lewis being friendly to Sebi for once.  I reckon he's learning respect for his driving.  Giving him a good manly shove lol.

Yeah, it was a pretty hearty shove. Reminded me of Elaine Benes and one of her "Get OUT!!!" pushes.

[jrg19]

Anyone think Seb and Lewis seem to be more and more chummy after qualifying and races?

[P123]

Anyone think Seb and Lewis seem to be more and more chummy after qualifying and races?

 

It can only mean one thing- they will be teammates next year.

[jstrains]

I thought I would read some transcripts here I could not understand on TV but appears to be another Fernando bashing thread

[Zoetrope]

Anyone think Seb and Lewis seem to be more and more chummy after qualifying and races?

They were 1-2 in Qualifying in Canada, Germany, Hungary and Belgium. They might be qualifying buddies now   

I just wish their fans were equally respectful 

[rasul]

Anyone think Seb and Lewis seem to be more and more chummy after qualifying and races?

Yeah, they were talking during the driver parade, too. I thought it was pretty unusual. 

[Lights]

Nice thread idea 

[jrg19]

They were 1-2 in Qualifying in Canada, Germany, Hungary and Belgium. They might be qualifying buddies now   

I just wish their fans were equally respectful 

 

I was thinking about this the other day, how many times in qualifying have they been 1-2 over their careers.

[bourbon]

I thought I would read some transcripts here I could not understand on TV but appears to be another Fernando bashing thread

 

It was hard to hear them.  Seb and Lewis seemed to be talking about the initial pass for first, and then it seemed they were talking about the relative speed of the Merc, and continued to do so when Fernando arrived somewhat later.  Alonso joined in at that point, but his voice was too soft for me to make out.  I disagree that there was reluctance to speak to Alonso - he was just late to join the party.

[rasul]

It was hard to hear them.  Seb and Lewis seemed to be talking about the initial pass for first, and then it seemed they were talking about the relative speed of the Merc, and continued to do so when Fernando arrived somewhat later.  Alonso joined in at that point, but his voice was too soft for me to make out.  I disagree that there was reluctance to speak to Alonso - he was just late to join the party.

Lewis said to Vettel: "You were so fast today. Jesus. Too quick. Too fast." Not sure about what he said to Alonso. 

[SophieB]

It was hard to hear them.  Seb and Lewis seemed to be talking about the initial pass for first, and then it seemed they were talking about the relative speed of the Merc, and continued to do so when Fernando arrived somewhat later.  Alonso joined in at that point, but his voice was too soft for me to make out.  I disagree that there was reluctance to speak to Alonso - he was just late to join the party.

 

Well, I have time on my hands so I pulled together all I could get which, due to the background noise, my cloth ears and the drivers not always being in good range of the mics, wasn't everything. As a result, it is very likely there are mistakes in the following, and certainly there are gaps where I couldn't make out all what was being said, so take it all with a massive grain of salt.

 

SV: Yes!!! [to himself/world at large]

LH to SV: So fast today, man. Jesus..[inaudible]

SV: [*laughs and makes 'zoom' type gesture with his hand*}

LH: Too fast...[inaudible but I think he now talks about Ferrari here] Bloody quick in the straight line.[inaudible] Really quick. So fast in the straight line.. So are you!

SV: Yeah. One lap, massive tow!

 

[Fernando Alonso enters the room. SV looks at him and looks away. FA moves to the side of the table where the water and hats are.]

 

SV: [Something inaudible about Eau Rouge] Didn't mind on the second and third one actually! [!?]

LH *laughs*

LH: I let him go [LH gestures towards FA who is now studying the hats carefully] - so I could DRS him. I knew he was too fast in the straight, and I pulled out, but he was just as fast when I was full DRS! He was just as fast!

FA: Did the same with Nico, first lap. He was so slow..

 

[I think this is what he says. Whatever he says, it brings the conversation to a bit of a halt and they all troop off to the podium]

[Der Pate]

In the recent GPs it appeared to me, that Seb was somehow isolated, while the other drivers chatted. This time (for the first time) Alonso was isolated. I wonder why...

 

Lewis and Seb seem to like each other well. That´s new for me, too!

 

I really like these chats between the drivers just in front of the podium! They seem like ordinary guys...

[Markn93]

Surprised me that the commentators didn't realise that he let him through, it shouldn't as Crofty misses most things,  but was very obvious even to the naked eye. 

[ElJefe]

I thought Alonso looked very grumpy and he didn't say a word. I have the feeling that's he's extremely frustrated with the speed of that Red Bull...

[SophieB]

In the recent GPs it appeared to me, that Seb was somehow isolated, while the other drivers chatted. This time (for the first time) Alonso was isolated. I wonder why....

Well, some of it has a practical possible answer in that it's just more likely the first two drivers arriving in the room are most likely to strike up a conversation. If that happens, just like in any regular conversation, the third has to wait for a suitable opportunity to join in politely. I also think in general Fernando is not one of the chattiest drivers in these things and often hangs back a bit.

[rasul]

Driver's parade before the race:

Kind of weird to see it.

[F1ultimate]

I just rewatched Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton standing in the debriefing room and it's quite telling about Alonso and Vettel's relationship. Neither was talking to the other, and if Lewis wasn't in the room the ambiance would have been very awkward. 

[XAXIXAX]

It's just the kids messing around while the men were talking aside (Kimi, Nando and Webber)

 

In the recent GPs it appeared to me, that Seb was somehow isolated, while the other drivers chatted. This time (for the first time) Alonso was isolated. I wonder why...

 

Lewis and Seb seem to like each other well. That´s new for me, too!

 

I really like these chats between the drivers just in front of the podium! They seem like ordinary guys...

 

Driver's parade before the race:

Kind of weird to see it.

[boldhakka]

Nice to see Lewis happy.

[Sin]

The chemistry between Alonso and Seb this time pre-podium reminded me a bit of Abu Dhabi 2012... where Seb was talking with Kimi... and Alonso was just weird alone...

 

I don't share the impression that Seb seemed isolated before the last podiums.... at least in germany I remember him joking with Kimi as usual...

 

but yeah he seems to be getting unusually well along with Lewis recently... oddly enough the same seems to be the case for Rosberg, who in the german interview really praised Seb and his driving skills alot...

 

I generally feel that the Merc and Red Bull team seem more friendly to each other than the other teams... I mean... you always see that in RTL after the races... when Horner or Marko talk to Lauda... 

Edited by Sin, 26 August 2013 - 14:09.

[DutchQuicksilver]

Driver's parade before the race:

Kind of weird to see it.

 

Have to say this, Seb's new haircut looks ridiculous.

[SpaMaster]

Nice thread. I also always look forward to the pre-podium chatter.

[Wanderer]

Well, some of it has a practical possible answer in that it's just more likely the first two drivers arriving in the room are most likely to strike up a conversation. If that happens, just like in any regular conversation, the third has to wait for a suitable opportunity to join in politely..

 

I think that's what Seb was trying to do when he looked at Fernando a couple of times, only that he didn't seem to be in a chatty mood. I expected Lewis to be like that too, going from first to third and losing ground in the championship ... but he genuinely seems to be happy at Mercedes and enjoying the racing and everything, which is nice to see. 

[Jon83]

 

Lewis said to Vettel: "You were so fast today. Jesus. Too quick. Too fast." Not sure about what he said to Alonso. 

 

 I thought he was talking about Alonso's speed on the straight and how he couldn't get near him (talking about this to Vettel obviously)

 

Alonso often seems to take a back seat with these discussions. I did read that he is very shy though so maybe it just isn't his thing.

[2ms]

I thought everyone was the same as always.  Every time, Vettel smiling and shooting the **** with whoever else is up there.  Alonso usually stands at other end of room pouring water on himself, looking at ground, etc.

[rasul]

 I thought he was talking about Alonso's speed on the straight and how he couldn't get near him (talking about this to Vettel obviously)

 

Alonso often seems to take a back seat with these discussions. I did read that he is very shy though so maybe it just isn't his thing.

 

Yeah, as SophieB posted above, "So fast today, man. Jesus" was about Vettel, and the part about being too quick on the straight was about Alonso. 

[jstrains]

What is so wrong about Fernando being grumpy? He was disappointed that he lost. They are all there for winning. This is a part of their personalities. I am sure that Seb whould have been frustrated if other way

Edited by jstrains, 26 August 2013 - 16:05.

[Jon83]

The chemistry between Alonso and Seb this time pre-podium reminded me a bit of Abu Dhabi 2012... where Seb was talking with Kimi... and Alonso was just weird alone...

 

I don't share the impression that Seb seemed isolated before the last podiums.... at least in germany I remember him joking with Kimi as usual...

 

but yeah he seems to be getting unusually well along with Lewis recently... oddly enough the same seems to be the case for Rosberg, who in the german interview really praised Seb and his driving skills alot...

 

I generally feel that the Merc and Red Bull team seem more friendly to each other than the other teams... I mean... you always see that in RTL after the races... when Horner or Marko talk to Lauda... 

 

Hmm, they didn't seem like best friends (the teams) during testgate!

 

Jstrains - nobody is having a go at Alonso here.

[jstrains]

Jon83 my last post was meant to be peaceful   Alonso reminded me yesterday of after Brazil 2012

[Zyzzx]

Does anyone know what was going on during the podium interview with DC and Seb?  They referenced some booing & cheering and looking back and up at something.  I can only assume it was boobs being flashed then security rushing in. 

[jstrains]

I guess it was because of the protester haning over the podium whose cell phone was ringing all the time

 

Edited by jstrains, 26 August 2013 - 16:32.

[BenettonB192]

oddly enough the same seems to be the case for Rosberg, who in the german interview really praised Seb and his driving skills alot...

 

Yea that was a bit unusual for him.

Did you also notice that Rosberg starts to suffer from Boris Becker syndrome? He seems to unlearn German, saying words in English not remembering the German ones. Noticed it a few times over the weekend.

[droiddamudi]

Looks like vettel is earning respect from hamilton atleast.

 

Since both are from same age group(generation)  its easier to bond i guess, especially with qualy finger thing from hamilton.

 

What i don't understand is why there seem to be so much anti vettel these day. I remember 2008 during driver parade where vettel is poking alonso and we know how vettel and kimi get along.

 

same with Kimi and alonso, since both respect each other, they always seems good(unless vettel join on podium).

 

I think its both age factor and mutual respect thing.

 

Its obvious, with alonso so many "fighting Newey/ faster car" reference, vettel probably don't like alonso personally compare to both kimi and lewis.

 

Am i the only one who's sick of podium booing? nobody deserve that kind of treatment for any podium contender(may be except Team order event in 2002).

 

btw i love pre-podium small talk between drivers and team member, as some say its as close to real talk instead of PR.

[bourbon]

Looks like vettel is earning respect from hamilton atleast.

 

Since both are from same age group(generation)  its easier to bond i guess, especially with qualy finger thing from hamilton.

 

What i don't understand is why there seem to be so much anti vettel these day. I remember 2008 during driver parade where vettel is poking alonso and we know how vettel and kimi get along.

 

same with Kimi and alonso, since both respect each other, they always seems good(unless vettel join on podium).

 

I think its both age factor and mutual respect thing.

 

Its obvious, with alonso so many "fighting Newey/ faster car" reference, vettel probably don't like alonso personally compare to both kimi and lewis.

 

Am i the only one who's sick of podium booing? nobody deserve that kind of treatment for any podium contender(may be except Team order event in 2002).

 

btw i love pre-podium small talk between drivers and team member, as some say its as close to real talk instead of PR.

 

You need to read two posts above.  The fans at SPA do not boo drivers - they are great race fans.  They were booing a Greenpeace Protestor who was climbing all over the podium at the time - not the drivers. 

 

I agree that the pre podium chat It is interesting, but I usually can't hear it very well.  It gives you that immediate reaction after the race which is pretty cool.  But I don't think it is right to be judgmental about it because after a race they may be dehydrated, tired, super-charged with adrenaline, still angry or frustrated from the race, super happy and simply not in the mood to talk to the other drivers - or feel very chatty. 

[Sin]

Yea that was a bit unusual for him.

Did you also notice that Rosberg starts to suffer from Boris Becker syndrome? He seems to unlearn German, saying words in English not remembering the German ones. Noticed it a few times over the weekend.

 

hahahah I don't blame him it happens to me too, cause I hardly speak german in the day... then when I'm on phone with my mother english words come to my head and I don't remember the german translation

Edited by Sin, 26 August 2013 - 18:47.

[Afterburner]

Not to get too far off-topic, but it's really interesting to me how the dynamic between Vettel and Hamilton has changed since Hamilton left for Mercedes. I first noticed a change on the podium in Austin last year, and they genuinely seem to be much closer now than they were this time a year or so ago. On one hand I wonder what's happened, but on the other I honestly don't care and think it's really cool to see them getting along.

 

Vettel to Mercedes rather than Ferrari in the future?

[teejay]

It's just the kids messing around while the men were talking aside (Kimi, Nando and Webber)

LOL did you just say Kimi talking?

[wrcva]

pre-podium chat, Abu Dhabi 2012