Vettel reluctantly let Ricciardo past

[Scott]

Good for him for paying attention to the pit wall this year, though a few laps late.  His 'tough luck' comment on the radio apparently came before he realized they were on different strategies (Strategy for Ricciardo and RBR - have Ricciardo ahead...strategy for Vettel - not that).  I suspect Vettel is just about done with the honeymoon period, and will be fighting back and getting a bit more grimy in the coming races (which is good, because I'll be at the next one!!).  I am starting to think Ricciardo has figured out the 2014 car better than Vettel, and it is simply down to driving styles and what fits who.  Vettel has a rumpled suit on this year, while Ricciardo is looking pretty dapper.

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/3213/9274887/Vettel-explains-tough-luck-comment

[lkjohnson1950]

Vettel is using his tires faster than Daniel. The NBC guys suggested that Seb is used to having the down force from the diffuser and just planting his right foot off the corner, letting the car do the rest. Daniel is driving the car more smoothly, adapting to what it requires. His style allows him to be faster with less tire degradation.

[F1fanaticBD]

Vettel is using his tires faster than Daniel. The NBC guys suggested that Seb is used to having the down force from the diffuser and just planting his right foot off the corner, letting the car do the rest. Daniel is driving the car more smoothly, adapting to what it requires. His style allows him to be faster with less tire degradation.

I think that is what separates you from being a good driver and being a great, the adaptability to ensure you are the fastest among the all. I think that is something also happening with Kimi, he is struggling to find a ground to adapt in a new team, in the new era of regulation, while Alonso is just being Alonso, I haven't seen anyone better to adapt to situation better than him. He may not became a champion in Ferrari, but surely he will always be remembered in the Ferrari folklore as well as in the F1, how he managed to drag Ferrari badged trucks, lawn-moaners, tractors to podium because of pure genius, even after suffering from poor decision making from the pit-wall. In terms of raw pace there is not much between Lewis & Alonso in my opinion, but when it comes to adaptability, there is no better than Alonso in the grid, you have to give that to him, after what he have done in his post-McLaren years.

[Irisado]

One of the few highlights of the Chinese Grand Prix was Ricciardo beating Vettel.  I think that Ricciardo's calm radio messages and clear thinking during the race are standing him in good stead.  Vettel has thrown his toys out of the pram on a few occasions this year, because he can't quite get to grips with the car.

For Ricciardo, being so close to the front every weekend is new to him, and motivating; whereas anything other than wins isn't good enough for Vettel, because that's what he is accustomed to.  This may also explain why the former's temperament is current better.