On the closing laps of the
Malaysian Grand Prix Nico Rosberg was ordered by Ross Brawn to stay behind his slower team mate, Lewis Hamilton. Although the
Vettel & Webber dispute has hogged most of the headlines, the fact also remains Nico Rosberg - was charging towards on final stint of the Grand Prix. Rosberg wanted to get past Lewis Hamilton, who had been ordered to save fuel by the Brackley, UK based team. But Brawn came over the radio and ordered The German to stay behind his teammate.
But Ross Brawn has told
Eurosport, the decision was also made due to Rosbergs much needed fuel management.
"In my judgement, the lowest risk solution was for the drivers to hold station,"Nico may have got past Lewis, but on the fuel management programme that both drivers were running, there was no opportunity to progress further or challenge the front two cars. A third and fourth place finish was an excellent result for the team and I was not prepared to risk it."
When asked about his result, the Brit was extremely pleased with the result. Both car's finished the race and in the top two. Brawn added "When I spoke to the team afterwards, I used the analogy of a man in the desert who had found a cup of water - and we wanted to make sure that we didn't spill a single drop."
Mercedes had played a game of risk with the fueling of both cars, ensuring there was enough to challenge at the start but to bring the car home after a certain period. The Race Engineers were heard numerous times coming over the radio - to Hamilton in particular - telling the drivers to consider their fuel management. Brawn admitted they played a "Bold" strategy.
"Whilst the profile of Lewis and Nico's races were slightly different, both drivers had to make similar adjustments to reach our fuel targets. Fuel consumption targets are reviewed after each race and we will certainly look at this race closely to take any lessons for the future." Brawn stated to the press.
Brawn also said that before the race the team have briefings, the only thing he tells each driver before they go to the car is "they respect the decisions made on the pit wall". The Mercedes drivers did just that on Sunday, proving they listen to him.
Lewis Hamilton who made the big mistake of stopping at former his former team Mclaren. Even questioned Brawn's decision after the race. Asking Brawn is he had done the right thing keeping Rosberg behind him, when Rosberg may of posed a challenge to cars ahead. Although Vettel and Webber were a few seconds away.
Brawn overall was pleased of the progress they have made, What is the reason you believe they made that call?
