Mercedes Wolff complaining about Gutierrez

[Scott]

Not being a fan of blue flags to begin with, I would prefer to see them either abolish them and let the drivers get past back markers off the racing line, or just for spice, put the blue flags away during the last 10 laps of every race. 

Hey Toto, everyone's in the race.

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/cruising-gutierrez-under-fire-from-mercedes-828185/

[Monty]

Can't agree with Scott on this one.
I remember before the rules were changed; fast cars stuck behind slow cars on several tracks - worst being Monaco. It was boring and frustrating for the spectators - it must have been totally maddening for the drivers. If slow cars didn't have to jump out of the way of fast cars you would have to limit slow cars. The 107% rule would probably have to become 105% or tighter. Then you would probably only have six cars on the grid!

[Scott]

Can't agree with Scott on this one.
I remember before the rules were changed; fast cars stuck behind slow cars on several tracks - worst being Monaco. It was boring and frustrating for the spectators - it must have been totally maddening for the drivers. If slow cars didn't have to jump out of the way of fast cars you would have to limit slow cars. The 107% rule would probably have to become 105% or tighter. Then you would probably only have six cars on the grid!

Ok, clarification.  I believe that passing cars should pass offline, but that back markers should drive steadily and predictably so overtaking cars can anticipate their passes safely.  At the very least the passing cars can wait until the DRS zone and easily and safely make the pass without interfering with the race of the back markers.

[Alianora La Canta]

I prefer the sportscar system, where blue flags are advisory and penalties only issued if lapping is prevented in a dangerous manner. But I don't think F1 is sufficiently grown-up to handle such a system right now

[lkjohnson1950]

I agree with Scott and Alia. Gutierrez has a right to fight being lapped. In this case a late yellow might have given him a shot at 10TH. As long as he isn't doing a Max (weaving and darting) leave him alone.

[Steve A.]

I hate the blue flags as well, as far as I'm concerned they're in fast cars and have the speed to get past, as far as the likes of Monaco etc it may slow the races to a point but it will also stop run away races. Someone will make a mistake and change the race. Part of racing unlike blue flags. Which are just an easy option for an already faster car/driver.

[Irisado]

The thing that amuses me about this is the lack of historical perspective from Herr Wolff.  Gutierrez may not be the greatest at using his mirrors, but by the standards of some who came before, all the drivers on the current grid are very helpful.  Who can ever forget Arnoux's blocking tactics while Prost was trying to lap him at Monaco in 1989, for example?