Christian Danner at Ferrari: A surprising decision / Formula 1

The live program “Sport and Talk from Hangar-7” on ServusTV at the airport of Salzburg was also about Formula 1. Christian Danner (66) from Munich spoke openly about his observations at the Japanese Grand Prix Suzuka.

The number 1 fighter of Red Bull Racing in the first part of this World Cup: Ferrari. Christian Danner praises: “Ferrari have made great strides. You should always think like this – drivers are generally bad. They say: ‘The wear of the tire must be zero and the tire must be warmed up immediately.’

“But it’s really not that easy. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had big problems with tire management in 2023. That was at the top of the list of points that need to be improved at Ferrari for 2024. Like race strategy or pit stops.

“And today I have to say – chapeau! Ferrari managed almost everything, and the race strategy is suddenly stable. And these are the same people who introduced the race strategy last year.

“Engineering and aeronautical capabilities are combined in Maranello. This covers topics such as kinematics, aerodynamic efficiency and mechanics. Now drivers have what they need from their racing cars.”

How is the battle between Red Bull Racing and Ferrari going?

Regarding the upcoming Grand Prix in China, Danner says: “First of all, I’m looking forward to a green track that doesn’t hold anything for me. This will be bad for the drivers until the track catches up. There are a number of industries in the area surrounding the race track. From the sky you can see not only the raindrops, but also the clouds. The track will be slippery.”

“That will be a big topic on Friday – how the track is understood. Not only for the drivers, but also for the engineers. How do I have to design the car so that tire A, B or C does what I want it to do? That will be a challenge. Especially as we will have sprint weekend, that is, with only one free practice session, then sprint qualifying will begin. A surprise or two are in store.”

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Bulls Racing, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round
outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0