F1 2015, Lauda: “Mercedes will not be the only protagonist”

After having denied that the Mercedes had hidden during the first two winter test sessions, Niki Lauda now denies that domain Mercedes will be even more incisive in the 2015 season.
The catch-all team of 2014 World, on paper – and after the most recent tests a Barcelona – seems destined to be repeated this year too but, according to the boss of Silver Arrows, even the rivals will not be outdone, ready to launch themselves in pursuit of their colleagues Woking.

“It's going to be a really interesting season and Mercedes it will not be the only protagonist,” the Austrian told the news agency APA. “The Drivers' World Championship will probably not be decided only between Lewis and Nico as happened in 2014. There will also be room for one or two more drivers in the fight,” he added Lauda.

And even if he admits that the Mercedes is "well prepared" for the new season, Lauda he doesn't intend to give too much credence to pre-season testing. “I only believe in what I see Melbourne“, declared the former champion of F1.

Last year the only driver who came closest to the duo of Mercedes in the title race it was Daniel Ricciardo, making his debut with the Red Bull. In 2015 he could enter the scene among the new suitors Valtteri Bottas – already protagonist of several podiums with the Williams in the past season – although the driver himself admitted that for the moment the Mercedes they still seem impregnable.

“It seems they are at least half a second faster than anyone else,” the Finnish driver commented to the broadcaster mtv3. “It's a harsh reality at this point in the season.”

And in the list of "possibilities" for an antagonist role also appears Ferrari. “They're doing well,” he admitted Lauda, “while for those of McLaren-Honda the opposite is true. But this could change quickly."

Nina Stefanelli