The 75 best team radio highlights of 2015

2015 F1 season review

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“There’s lots of places where we can control them,” McLaren boss Ron Dennis reflected at Suzuka. “But we can’t control them sat in a racing car.”

That’s why the drivers’ team radio communications give some of the most compelling insights into what’s really going on in Formula One. Dennis knew this only too well after the toe-curling experience of listening to star driver Fernando Alonso describe Honda’s power unit as a “GP2 engine” in front of the Japanese manufacturer’s top brass at their home race.

There were countless such memorable messages during 2015. Revealing, surprising or just plain amusing, here’s 75 of the best.

Australian Grand Prix

Race

The first of many testy exchanges between Kimi Raikkonen and his engineer came as the Ferrari driver’s first race of the year was brought to an early end by a problem in the pits.

David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenOK stop the car Kimi, stop the car and find a safe place to pull off.
Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodDid you leave the wheel loose?
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnfortunately wheel was not tight. I’m sorry, Kimi.

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Malaysian Grand Prix

Qualifying

Certain types of assistance cannot be provided over the radio – as some drivers were told more frequently than others.

Nico RosbergTony RossThe guy who’s on first, is he doing dry lines nearly anywhere? Even braking?
Tony RossNico RosbergCan’t help you with lines, Nico.

For the second year in a row, Sebastian Vettel was just hundredths of a second away from beating Lewis Hamilton to pole position.

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelWell done, really happy…
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiNot again! Not again, after last year, same! One tenth! Really happy guys. Great reaction in difficult conditions.

Chinese Grand Prix

Red Bull in a China strop: Daniil Kvyat didn’t want to let Daniel Ricciardo pass

Race

Red Bull often found themselves having to orchestrate an exchange of positions between their drivers. On this occasion Daniil Kvyat confused Daniel Ricciardo by letting him through and then immediately re-passing.

Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieLosing a bit of time. Should we box?
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoUnderstood, mate, we are looking into other strategies. Stay out, stay out.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK Danny you have Daniel behind, Ricciardo behind. Do not fight him. We are on different strategies.
Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieHe’s left me open then cut me. He’s got to let me by.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDanny we are on different strategies to Daniel, OK?
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseYeah he has to get in the tow.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDo not hold, do not hold Daniel.

Nico Rosberg felt Hamilton was trying to spoil his race.

Nico RosbergTony RossLewis is driving very slow so get him to speed up.
Tony RossNico RosbergCopy that
Nico RosbergTony RossIf I go closer I destroy my tyres like in my first stint, that’s the problem.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis we’d like to pick the pace up a little bit. Target 43.7. Let us know if that’s possible.

The early optimism at McLaren didn’t last.

Mark TempleFernando AlonsoOK Fernando that is the end of the race. We finished P12, got both cars home. That’s a good step forward. Had a few difficulties during the race but hopefully had a fight at times.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleYeah it’s OK guys. First race really for me so good to bring the car home. We know soon we will have a little bit more fun.
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAbsolutely.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Practice

Sergio Perez and Vettel tangled at turn one.

Sebastian VettelRicardo AdamiI had a failure and then [censored by FOM] Perez took my wheel off. Unbelievable.

Formula One’s youngest driver had an unusual problem which said something about the performance of his engine.

Max VerstappenXevi PujolarWhy is it so difficult to spin the rear tyres in a Formula One car? I don’t understand.

Later in the season Force India pulled well clear of Sauber, but at this stage one of them was an irritation for Nico Hulkenberg.

Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergRacing Ericsson.
Erik SchuivensMarcus EricssonSo Hulkenberg ahead left the pits on [medium] again, he’s our main target.
Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceThat idiot Ericsson almost running into the back of me every time.

Despite this last-lap scare Hamilton secured his third win in four races.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBBW [brake-by-wire] fault.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo just caution on the brakes, you’ve got one lap remaining, you’ve got plenty of gap. Gap to Raikkonen 6.2. So got plenty of space Lewis, plenty of space.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonMy temperatures’ dropping.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah they’re coming down Lewis so not a problem. Just look after them, not long to go.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonGreat stuff Lewis, get in there mate. Well done, great race. Bit of a scare at the end there.

Spanish Grand Prix

Kimi Raikkonen never left his crew in doubt about how he felt

Practice

More frustrations for Raikkonen on two separate occasions during practice.

Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodWhat are you guys doing? First we go out then we go directly in the traffic, that should not be even possible.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenConfirm, we have a wrong setting.
Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodExcellent. How can we be in wrong settings?
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenI don’t have an answer.

Race

Disagreements about strategy were a frequent point of debate.

Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergCopy that Nico. The only plus point is the hard is looking poor at the moment.
Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceNo, don’t speak on the straight.
Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergWell you’ll have to wait for your answer, then. The hard is looking poor at the moment.
Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceFair enough having the new now but should have had the new now, I would have gone through these guys.
Brad JoyceNico HulkenbergRight, this is what you’ve got, so let’s make the best of it now mate.

Monaco Grand Prix

Qualifying

McLaren’s best chance of getting into Q3 all season was thwarted when Rosberg brought out the yellow flags, forcing Jenson Button to abandon his run.

Jenson ButtonTom StallardThat’s painful. Such a shame, guys. We were on for a reasonable result, there.

Race

Romain Grosjean fumed at being hit by Verstappen.

Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsHe’s a [censored by FOM] that Verstappen. That was stupid.

An excruciating slip-up for Hamilton in Monaco was caught on the radio. Formula One Management took the unprecedented step of publishing an extended excerpt of the discussion after the race, allowing us to hear exactly how a certain victory had been thrown away.

Hamilton briefly stopped at Portier corner on his way back to the pits, and a new radio message revealed recently showed Mercedes were concerned he wouldn’t come to the podium afterwards.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo just a reminder you are in your Safety Car… Virtual Safety Car. So look at your dash, look at the boards, keep positive, stay positive and you are staying out.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo we are staying out and you are staying positive.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis a Safety Car has been deployed.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAre you sure it’s the best thing to stay out? These tyres have lost all their temperature. Everyone’s going to be on [super-softs] now.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNope, we will be boxing the end of the lap, so just stay positive. We are going to go up one-and-a-half turns for the [super-soft] tyre, unless you tell us different.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonJust give us pit confrirm.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK so we are now staying out, staying out. Just confirm on the radio.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonGuys, that’s not good. These tyres have lost all their temperature. Everyone is going to be on [super-softs] now.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK, copy copy, box box.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo cancel the brake magic. Caution on pit entry. RS modes. Cancel RS. Watch the line on pit exit.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonWhat’s happened, guys? Guys, what’s happened?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis, so we got caught behind… So we’re just getting a look now, just having a look now. We’re just reviewing the video. So stick the brake warming on, let’s get some temperature into these brakes.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis so we have lost the marshalling system so we may need to do something to override DRS.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI’ve lost this race, haven’t I?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonNot if they lose all their tyre temp. They’re on [soft] tyre, you’ve got very good [super-soft] on the car at the moment.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonHow many laps left?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe’ve got 13 laps remaining.

Raikkonen objected to Ricciardo’s forceful pass at Mirabeau.

Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodDid you see what that guy did? He just pushed me off the, off his front. He just hit me then I went wide, so, that’s not very nice. If that’s not a penalty then nothing is penalty. You can push each other off the line.

Red Bull orchestrated another exchange of positions in Monaco, this time to give Ricciardo the chance to attack Hamilton. It failed, so he was told to let Kvyat through again. Part of the exchange below was not originally broadcast during the race, and can be he heard on the official 2015 season review video:

Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDaniel behind on fresh options, on a different strategy, OK? Do not hold him up.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseOK, good for him.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatNo, no, Dany, Dany, we will switch it back if he doesn’t make any progress, OK? We’ll switch it back, but at the moment he’s on a different strategy, so do not hold him up.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK Daniel we will be released to attack the cars ahead.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK, good lad.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseIs Daniel making any progress?
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatYou don’t need to worry about that at this stage, Dany. You focus on getting to the end as quickly as you can.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoThis is the last lap. If we don’t overtake any cars we will be asked to give the position back to Kvyat.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoYeah, thank you Daniel, it’s important we do this.
Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieUnderstood.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK mte, thanks for your discipline there.

Canadian Grand Prix

Intermediate tyres on a soaked track had an inevitable outcome for Lewis Hamilton

Practice

Mercedes got another tyre call wrong at the very next day of running after their Monaco embarrassment. Both drivers were sent onto a very wet track in Canada on intermediate tyres, and Hamilton crashed as a result.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonLet us know if you think it’s X-wet [extreme wet tyre] conditions – it looks wet out there.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Lewis we think it’s X-wet conditions.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonAquaplaned.
Tony RossNico RosbergIf you think it’s too dangerous then you can box.
Tony RossNico RosbergJust box, box, we’ll stop.
Tony RossNico RosbergCaution, caution turn ten, Lewis has gone straight on. Brake early.

Kvyat had a case of too much information.

Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatHamilton P1, 1’16.6
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseI don’t need to know this!

Button was vexed by a common team radio aggravation.

Jenson ButtonTom StallardI don’t know why but every time you talk to me it’s in a corner. There are long enough straights here!

And Verstappen got a big surprise.

Max VerstappenXevi PujolarWoah, I heard someone else from another team on my radio!
Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenCopy that, Max.

Qualifying

Struggling with an MGU-H problem, Vettel narrowly failed to make it into Q2.

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelOK P16 for three-tenths.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo Adami[Censored by FOM]

Meanwhile his team mate felt the team’s procedures needed sharpening up.

David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenThese will be the race tyres.
Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThese things you have to tell straight away. I do half a lap pushing for an extra lap then we decided these are the race tyres.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenYeah understood Kimi I was trying to deal with Rosberg traffic, my mistake.

Race

Hamilton showed his appreciation for the team’s efforts after a trying few days.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonDon’t know if you boys can hear me. I just wanted to say a big thank-you for all the hard work this weekend putting the car back together. Didn’t get to see you all individually but really appreciate it.

Raikkonen spun at the old pits hairpin for the second year in a row and suspecpted there was a similar root cause.

Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThat, exactly same happened last year. Suddenly it just the K kicks in.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnderstood, understood, just get back in the rhythm.

Grosjean collided with the Manor of Will Stevens and didn’t immediately realise he had only himself to blame.

Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsHe hit me! He hit me! This is not possible.
Will StevensJosh PeckettBox, box, I’ve got a puncture, the front-right, Grosjean hit me.
Josh PeckettWill StevensUnderstood mate. In now, in now.
Will StevensJosh PeckettHe’s so stupid, he comes across in front of me every single time he overtakes. Where does he want me to go, off the track?
Josh PeckettWill StevensOK understood, mate. We’ll have a look into it.

Austrian Grand Prix

Qualifying

In Austria it was Raikkonen’s turn to drop out in Q1 on a damp but drying track.

David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenWe’ve been bumped.
Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodWhat?
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenWe’re P17.
Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodHow the [censored by FOM] that is possible?

Race

While Mercedes took another one-two, a slow pit stop for Vettel put Felipe Massa on the podium.

Dave RobsonFelipe MassaFantastic job Felipe. Great job those last few laps, brilliant all weekend.
Felipe MassaDave RobsonYeah guys, very good I’m so happy. I’m so happy with how we raced, when we kept behind then we picked up the others so we didn’t make mistake. Well done guys, well done.
Dave RobsonFelipe MassaThanks Felipe and as I said absolutely fantastic job you’ve driven brilliantly there. Did all the work on Friday, that’s paid off. Nice work.
Rob SmedleyFelipe MassaWell done mate that was an absolutely great weekend. Really proud of you. I said to you a few races ago, not bad for an old man. Good lad, thank you.
Felipe MassaDave RobsonYep. Not bad for an old man.

British Grand Prix

Williams suddenly found themselves managing an intra-team battle for the lead

Race

The Williams pair made phenomenal starts at Silverstone and led the race – but Valtteri Bottas was anxious to demote Massa.

Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasInstruction: No racing your team mate for now.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsI have more pace.
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy. No racing for now. We’ll keep you advised.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCan I overtake? I can do it in the back straight. Tell me.
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasYes.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsRepeat.
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasYes, you can.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsThat was too late.
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasIt has to be a very clean move,. And you need to pull away when you are in front. Clean move.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCopy.
Dave RobsonFelipe MassaOK Felipe so Valtteri is going to try and attack you on the back straight, he will try and attack you with DRS.

A superbly judged call for intermediate tyres secured the win for Hamilton.

Tony RossNico RosbergKeep us advised on the tyres, we may go for inter.
Nico RosbergTony RossIt’s all good.
Tony RossNico RosbergCopy.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI’ve got no grip on these tyres, guys.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonCopy that, Lewis. So we are ready for…
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBox this lap, box this lap.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonReady for you box box. Menu tyre position three, RS modes.
Tony RossNico RosbergYou need to let us know how it is, Lewis has pitted for inters.

Hungarian Grand Prix

Qualifying

McLaren’s diagnosis that Alonso’s power unit problem would not cause a problem soon proved false – he ended up pushing his car back to the pits. Things would get better for him, however.

Mark TempleFernando AlonsoOK Fernando we understand the issue. OK to keep running it shouldn’t affect us.

Race

Hamilton went off on the first lap and blamed his team mate for changing his line.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonNico crossed over my line there, pushed me wide.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonNice moved back onto… You know you’re supposed to only be able to move once.

Red Bull pulled the switch again, and this time Kvyat was especially reluctant to play along.

Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoAre you being held up? What is your status?
Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieYeah held up a lot.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDo not hold Ricciardo behind.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWell I’m also stuck behind them.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatYeah, understood. Do not hold Ricciardo though, Danny, please. Do not hold Ricciardo. Copy?
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWell I do not. I’m stuck behind Hulkenberg, I am trying to pass.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDanny, Ricciardo is on a different strategy. Let’s fall back into our own race now, please.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWell my tyres are not great shape. So maybe we might consider switching our strategy as well.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK. Let Ricciardo through please Danny.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWell I am in the DRS of Hulkenberg [censored by FOM] guys.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDanny please let Ricciardo through.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoOK mate so we’ve got to make the most of it now, let’s get stuck in.

Rosberg ran ahead of Hamilton for much of the race and was anxious to cover him off strategically.

Tony RossNico RosbergSo Nico we need to find more lap time. Lewis will be going to the [medium] tyre, possibly earlier than you.
Nico RosbergTony RossI’ll go to the [medium] as well, then.
Tony RossNico RosbergNico at the moment the pit wall are not inclined to do that.

Vettel dedicated his victory to Jules Bianchi, the former Ferrari development driver who died in the week before the race.

Maurizio ArrivabeneSebastian VettelYes, Sebastian, yes! P1! Another flag in Maranello. Well done!
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiGrazie ragazzi! Grazie. Forza Ferrari. Merci Jules, cette victoire est pour toi. [Thanks Jules, this victory is for you]. You will always be in our hearts. We know that sooner or later Jules would have been a part of this team. Grazie, guys.

Belgian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel was furious after his tyre failed

Practice

A familiar situation for Lotus.

Pastor MaldonadoMark SladeI crash. Lose the back end of the car.
Mark SladePastor MaldonadoIs the car damaged? I take it it is.
Pastor MaldonadoMark SladeYeah.

On Saturday the other Lotus driver was livid after Raikkonen slowed in front of him.

Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsRaikkonen is dangerous, it’s very dangerous what he did to me. Very, very dangerous.

Race

Williams committed the unusual mistake of fitting two different types of tyre to one car – a violation of the rules.

Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasWe have a drive through penalty. Just drive through the pits and back out.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsCopy.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsWhat was the issue?
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasYour right-rear is a [medium] tyre, all others are [soft]. Mix-up in pit stop. Crack on with the race, we can still gain some good points.

Vettel ran a long stint on his tyres and was told they would last – but his right-rear blew up on the penultimate lap. Again, part of the message below was not previously broadcast:

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelTyres, from the data, looks pretty good to go to the end. […]
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiSaw what happened?
Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYeah, copy.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiTyres were on the limit, yes, but for [censored by FOM] sake.

Grosjean scored an emotional podium finish for Lotus.

Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanFantastic job, mate, fantastic job. P3, well done. That’s incredible, one of the best races of your career, mate. Incredible, I’m so proud.
Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsWell done, well done you superstar.
Julien Simon-ChautempsRomain GrosjeanFantastic, well done mate.

Italian Grand Prix

Practice

Worrying symptoms for Hulkenberg:

Nico HulkenbergBrad JoyceI have a wet bum and it smells like petrol.

Race

Hamilton’s cruise to another win was interrupted when Mercedes learned he might be given a time penalty. He was urged to increase his pace, but they were reluctant to say why.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo we need to open this gap right up. Do what we can you’ve got seven laps remaining. OK Lewis we can go strat mode three, we need to pull a gap. Don’t ask questions, just execute.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis let’s just have some ‘Hammertime’ lap times. We just need some good lap times now. No need to ask questions, we’ll just explain it at the end.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI’ve not got a lot of pace in me.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK copy that. Just five laps to go. That pace is good, don’t take any risks.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonWhat do I need to do? I can’t get much quicker.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWhat you’re doing is great, Lewis. That’s all we need. Just stabilise on pace.

Singapore Grand Prix

The Safety Car was good news for Sebastian Vettel

Practice

Button wasn’t sure about the reconfiguration of the Singapore track.

Jenson ButtonTom StallardThe new bit of circuit, the safety there is questionable. It’s bumpy, obviously no run-off.

Qualifying

Ferrari knew they had an opportunity to win in Singapore but Red Bull were close and Vettel wasn’t leaving anything to chance. In Q2 he was unwilling to use any more life from the tyres he would start the race on.

Ricardo AdamiSebastian VettelBox Sebastian. Pit entry test.
Sebastian VettelRicardo AdamiNegative. Saving the tyres.

Race

Sure enough Ricciardo was pushing Vettel in the race when the Safety Car gave the Ferrari driver a break.

Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieHe got lucky didn’t he?
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoYes mate.

Meanwhile Hamilton’s only technical retirement of the year convenently coincided with a rare uncompetitive showing by Mercedes – though they believed they could have won.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt’s really getting a lot worse now, I’m slowing right down. You need to stop me. Brakes are getting cold and everything, I can’t
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah affirm Lewis, copy that. We see it’s all dropping off. Box box. We are going to try and power cycle the car in the pit box. It will be RS modes, stop in the box, go to neutral and switch off.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK so we are going to retire the car.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonThanks for persevering with us Lewis. We were trying our best to get you back into life.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonYeah its a real shame man. I think I had the pace to win.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonYeah we think we had the strategy to win as well, mate.

Vettel was alarmed to discover someone had wandered onto the track during the race, which brought out another Safety Car.

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelRicciardo 4.5 seconds behind.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiThere’s a fan on the track. There’s a person on the circuit between 13 and 14.
Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelBox Sebastian, box for [soft].

Button was in a wry mood at McLaren.

Jenson ButtonTom StallardAt last we’ve got a break with Safety Cars. Well, we’d’ve got a break last time if we didn’t balls it up.
Tom StallardJenson ButtonOK Jenson so manage the temperatures. We want you to save as much fuel as possible and we need some hard braking events to keep the temperature in the front brakes.
Jenson ButtonTom StallardAnd rub your tummy and pat your head? Alright we can do this.

Ricciardo had to settle for second, but he wasn’t going to let Vettel have the fastest lap.

Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoExcellent job. Very good job today mate, pace was excellent, you did get the fastest lap of the race. We might have had a bit more of a chance without the Safety Cars. You did a very good job.
Daniel RicciardoSimon RennieYep, understood. Cheers guys. Good race car. Think we got a bit unlucky but anyway thank you.
Christian HornerDaniel RicciardoVery good job, Daniel, really professional job there. You’ll upset your former team mate by the fact you got fastest lap so you can let him know that. But very professional drive. You two were in a class of your own today.
Daniel RicciardoChristian HornerThanks Christian. I’ll give him a bit of shit.
Simon RennieDaniel RicciardoHe was certainly trying as well, mate. You pipped him him by about… I’ll let you know the number.

Japanese Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso’s radio messages in Japan made uncomfortable listening for Ron Dennis

Race

After a superb effort in qualifying at Suzuka, Alonso was literally powerless to prevent his rivals passing him on the straight. He did not spare the blushes of the assembled Honda executives at their home event in a series of radio messages.

Fernando AlonsoMark TempleBalance OK, but it is driving like on ice. Poor grip. I’m caught on the straight like a GP2. This is embarrassing, very embarrassing. I do my best.
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoYep, understood, we know you will, you’re still P11, plenty to aim for.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleGP2 engine, GP2!

Alonso wasn’t the only driver frustrated by his engine – Red Bull’s struggle with Renault continued.

Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseCan I [censored by FOM] use the overtake button guys or not?
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatDani, negative on the overtake button, negative on the overtake button. Just do as we say. Multi 10 position 12.
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseWhich position, sorry, I was busy.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatOK let’s have multi 10 position 9. Dani so just confirm we cannot use the overtake button. We are unable to use the overtake button for the rest of this race for reliability issues. Any changes we make are to offer you a greater opportunity to pass the car ahead. So…
Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseOK, understood.

Russian Grand Prix

Race

Button made sure the stewards were alert to Sainz’s transgression.

Jenson ButtonTom StallardWhy is Sainz not getting a penalty? Is Sainz getting a penalty for crossing the white line on entrance?
Tom StallardJenson ButtonStand by Jenson, I’ll investigate.

The gallows humour continued in the cockpit of the other McLaren.

Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAnd Fernando we are racing Massa behind to the end.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleI love your sense of humour.
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoWell maybe we can have some fun trying, anyway.

Vettel had another fright from a person on the track.

Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiOK now it’s clear but we’ve got a very brave Russian running across the track. Track is clear now.

Bottas passed Perez to take third on the penultiamte lap – only to be assaulted from behind by Raikkonen.

Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasExcellent we’ve got one more lap, stay in this mode. One more lap.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenLast lap Kimi, last lap, all or nothing.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenSo no puncture, Kimi, bring it home.
Valtteri BottasJonathan EddollsWhat the [censored by FOM] did he do?
Jonathan EddollsValtteri BottasCopy. Kill the engine.

United States Grand Prix

Race

Raikkonen was unhappy with Verstappen’s defensive driving.

Kimi RaikkonenDavid GreenwoodThat guy keeps pushing me off the circuit every time, when I’m next to him. So if that’s legal then I will do the same next time.
David GreenwoodKimi RaikkonenUnderstood. We’re checking with Charlie.

The race began on a wet track and Hamilton was eager to know where he could find an advantage.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIs there a different line into T1 because I don’t know, braking is quite slippery, it’s easy to lock up, are drivers going deep?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonI’m afraid I can’t comment on line, Lewis.

Having been hit by Massa on the first lap, Alonso was in favour of parking late in the race. He said much the same during the season finale.

Fernando AlonsoMark TempleStrange vibration coming from the engine on the power. Anything to do with the [unclear] deformation, maybe?
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoAll is OK, we think, for the moment. We will keep checking. Keep going. Keep focused.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleIt is not ok, no power. What we can do?
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoFor the moment nothing. We are still investigating. I’ll let you know if there’s something we can.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleOk I’ll come in.
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoFernando stay out, we’re still in the points.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleNot any more. In lap.
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoStay out, we are still in the points.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleOK when I am not in the points, I come in.

Hamilton won the race and with it clinched his third world championship.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis. I think you’ve done it mate. Just need to see what Nico does. That is it! world champion pal! world champion.
Paddy LoweLewis HamiltonThree times world champion, Lewis!
UnknownLewis HamiltonYou’ve only gone and done it, mate!
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonI’m feeling it, pal. I’m feeling it.
Paddy LoweLewis HamiltonHow good does that sound, Lewis? Three times world champion.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIt’s the greatest moment of my life. Thank you guys so much. That was… I’m just so greatful, thank you. To my family, I love you all. Thank you.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonJust bring it home Lewis. We got to look after the race car, mate, we’re going to need it next week. So let’s just look after the car, mate, and have some fun tonight.

Vettel was disappointed to learn his slim championship chances were at an end.

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYes, P3, well done.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiSorry I tried. I was too far away.
Maurizio ArrivabeneSebastian VettelBravo Seb, una grande gara, complimentia [a great race, well done].
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiGrazie ragazzi [thanks boys]. The car was great. Even if we didn’t have preparation. Is the championship game over?
Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelYes, affirmative.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiAh shit. The first part I should have done a better job judging the conditions, it was ready for dries a bit sooner. After that is was OK, we did everything we could. Grazie.

Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton exhausted his strategic options in the final races

Race

After tangling with Ricciardo on the first lap, Vettel returned to the pits with a puncture, using the run-off in several places. Alonso was not impressed.

Fernando AlonsoMark TempleVettel is cutting all over the circuit, all the circuit. Very dangerous maneouver, just arrived to the pit lane. Vettel very dangerous maneouver.

It was a poor race for Vettel and he was disinclined to help the flying Mercedes.

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelBlue flag to Hamilton behind you, let him by.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiI am quicker than him.
Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelLet him by now please. Let him by now or we get a penalty, let him by now and then stay behind him.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiBut I am opening the gap to him.
Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelNo you are not, from race direction, so let him by.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiOK, OK copy.

When Mercedes decided to give both drivers an extra pit stop to look after their tyres, Hamilton spied an opportunity to stay ahead of his team mate. It was the first of three races in which Hamilton would try to use a different strategy to get in front of his team mate, but ultimately lost out.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe are going to convert to Plan B, converting to Plan B, let us know if you need a flap adjust.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonCan I ask why?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonWe are worried about wear, we are worried about wear on these tyres, we are down to the canvas, so box this lap, box this lap.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBono these tyres are still good.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo this is for safety reasons Lewis, so box this lap. So Lewis you will be boxing next lap, box next lap.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonBono you need to check his tyres, my tyres feel good.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonSo Lewis we were down to zero on the first set. If we go longer on this set, we will be down to zero if not worse. So this is boxing end of this lap, instruction.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonI think that’s the wrong call, but I am coming in.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK we will debate that later, so boxing at the end of this lap.

Felipe Nasr had been frustrated by brake problems over and over during 2015, and made his unhappiness plain after retiring in Mexico with a potentially dangerous fault.

Felipe NasrCraig GardinerMy brakes are finished.
Craig GardinerFelipe NasrUnderstood Felipe.
Felipe NasrCraig GardinerYeah guys, this situation is no good, it could have been end of straight.
Craig GardinerFelipe NasrLet’s speak later about that Felipe, alright? OK, see you soon.

Kvyat narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

Daniil KvyatGianpiero LambiaseAargh [censored by FOM] we lost the [censored by FOM] podium.
Gianpiero LambiaseDaniil KvyatYeah bad luck Dani. I’m sure there wasn’t anything you could have done without that.

Brazilian Grand Prix

Race

Once again Hamilton was stuck behind Rosberg and wanted Mercedes to change his tactics.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis I think converting to plan B would be a bad idea, that would drop us behind both Ferraris who are still doing 16.6s.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonOK can you get me on a different strategy then somehow? Impossible to overtake. I’m faster but I can’t get close.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Practice

In Singapore Vettel celebrated his victory with a song, and during the second practice session in Abu Dhabi he sang the Italian version of Happy Birthday for his race engineer.

Sebastian VettelRicardo AdamiI think I forgot something this morning: Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a Ricky, tanti auguri a te! Happy birthday, Ricky!
Ricardo AdamiSebastian VettelThank you very much!

An increasingly frustrating season at Lotus hadtaken its toll on Grosjean.

Romain GrosjeanJulien Simon-ChautempsI keep telling you the same thing, it’s undriveable.

Laughter on the radio at Toro Rosso as Sainz produced an especially good lap.

Carlos Sainz Jnr?Marco MatassaIt was a good one, no?
Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz Jnr?Outstanding!

Alonso had first come across Stevens in Abu Dhabi 12 months earlier – once again he was unimpressed with his rival’s driving.

Fernando AlonsoMark TempleWho was in front of me in the last three corners?
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoThat was Stevens and Grosjean.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleIdiot.

Race

Alonso took issue with his penalty at the start of the final race.

Mark TempleFernando AlonsoFernando, we have been given a drive-through, you must take it this lap.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleWhy?
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoIs is because the incidient in the start with Nasr, let’s get back there and focus on going to the end and see what happens, maybe a safety car.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleIs our fault?
Mark TempleFernando AlonsoSo, the penalty is for hitting Maldonado, rather than the initial contact with Nasr.
Fernando AlonsoMark TempleI had the front tyres around me during the end, so I land in Maldonado, I landed into him, so…

Toro Rosso swapped their drivers to get Verstappen ahead, but he locked up soon afterwards and spoiled his tyres, leading them to reverse the call.

Max VerstappenXevi PujolarI’m really losing time.
Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenCopy that, Max.
Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK Max we will be revs now, revs. You get ahead and you need to close the gap to Kvyat.
Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrOK, Carlos, revs, revs, revs this lap, turn eight.
Carlos Sainz JnrMarco MatassaHe is not close enough, next lap, I leave him by.
Marco MatassaCarlos Sainz JnrLet him by this lap, let him by this lap please. Do it now, do it now.
Max VerstappenXevi PujolarI have a massive flat spots. I have to box.
Xevi PujolarMax VerstappenOK, Max, box this lap, box. Let Carlos pass behind.

Did Hamilton think the same when Vettel held him up in Mexico?

Riccardo AdamiSebastian VettelAlonso in front of you, blue flag.
Sebastian VettelRiccardo AdamiI mean he must really hate me, I don’t know what’s wrong with him. I’m losing a second just because of that.

Another attempted strategic gamble by Hamilton.

Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonIf I was to back off right now and look after these tyres to the end, how much – how slow can I go per lap?
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonLewis I think that will be pretty much impossible to do. I think what we are currently planning is the way to go.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonPlease give me the calculations.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonIt’s not even worth working the numbers, it would be a real gamble and it wouldn’t pay off I guarantee it.
Lewis HamiltonPeter BonningtonThe reason I’m asking is these tyres still feel good.

After his strategy gamble failed to pay off, Hamilton took the more contentious route of using a more powerful engine mode when he wasn’t supposed to.

Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonOK Lewis, that will be strat mode ten, strat mode ten, if they do not comply than we will just turn Nico to strat six.
Tony RossNico RosbergSo Nico, go strat six.
Peter BonningtonLewis HamiltonAnd we will have strat mode ten strat mode ten, that is an instruction.
Tony RossNico RosbergAnd strat ten, Nico.

Rosberg ended his season on a high but Mercedes rationed the celebratory doughnuts.

Nico RosbergTony RossWoohoo! Awesome guys, thanks for this end of the season, it was really great.
Tony RossNico RosbergGreat job Nico.
Nico RosbergTony RossThanks very much, can I do some doughnuts?
Tony RossNico RosbergEr, we’d rather save the fuel.
Nico RosbergTony RossWell you tell me, I want to do them, can I do them or not?
Tony RossNico RosbergOK, do one doughnut.

2015 F1 season review

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Author information

Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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17 comments on “The 75 best team radio highlights of 2015”

  1. someone at ferrari has GOT to buy a swear box!

  2. OmarRoncal - Go Seb!!! (@)
    17th December 2015, 13:03

    Kvyat loves swearing!!!
    And you should include Max’s NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

    1. That one and a few of Kimi’s should have been included.

  3. Great Collection! Thanks Keith….
    My favorite is will be Max Verstappen:

    Why is it so difficult to spin the rear tyres in a Formula One car? I don’t understand.

  4. Mark Temple Fernando Alonso And Fernando we are racing Massa behind to the end.
    Fernando Alonso Mark Temple I love your sense of humour.

    XD

    This was the best… No doubt about it.
    Happy that Mclaren led somewhere; in the humour department.

    1. Didn’t Button keep Bottas behind in Abu Dhabi?

      1. When Bottas lost his front wing in the pits and got a drive through penalty, yes.

  5. Seriously,… where is the one from Kimi in Spain?
    Kimi: “What the *censored* is this Marussia doing? He has been 3 corners now in the middle of the road!
    The one in Monaco:
    Kimi: Come on where is the blue flags? Do I have to *censored* trying to overtake him or what? Lapped car.

    The one in Monaco. Well, I was watching and I was thinking: Something to spice up the race and then Kimi came up and said that! It literally woke me up.

    1. So you were sleeping through Verstappen’s crashout but you woke up when Raikkonen came on the radio.

      1. @kanan

        How foolish… Verstappen’s crash happend at lap 62. This radio came out on lap 51-53.

  6. @keithcollantine The radio messages aren’t always hilarious but your extra comments make them very funny indeed.

    1. @xtwl Thank you :-)

  7. I love that both Ferrari drivers have potty mouths. It’s so rude but so honest.

  8. Should include hamilton’s how’s the weather in Monaco.

  9. What about ‘blue flags’ for the malaysian grand prix? I think that deserved a spot.

  10. A great collection, thanks @keithcollantine for putting these together. Its funny how from the outside everything looks professional but when you hear these radio messages you see just how hard F1 can be on teams and drivers.

Comments are closed.