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Mercedes not used to losing - Arrivabene

Published on 30 Aug 2018 10:19
3
By: Fergal Walsh

Ferrari's team boss Maurizio Arrivabene says that Mercedes is not used to losing following Ferrari's triumph at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Sebastian Vettel led home Lewis Hamilton, despite Hamilton taking pole position on Saturday.

Mercedes dominated the opening three years of the V6 hybrid era. In the 59 races run from 2014 to 2016, it took victory at 51. Last season, it felt a title challenge from the Maranello outfit before it fizzled away towards the end of the season.

Many insiders believe that Ferrari possesses the quickest car in 2018, and the Scuderia's title challenge looks much stronger than it did in 2017. Vettel has taken five victories so far this year, surpassing the four he took throughout the entirety of 201.

When asked about Mercedes' defeat in Belgium, Arrivabene said: "They are not used to it. We were silent, we took punches left and right and we got up. We are used to it, they are not," he said at a pre-Italian Grand Prix event in Milan.

This weekend sees Ferrari's home race take place, and the Italian squad will be hoping to take its first victory there since 2010: "For us it would be a dream and a gift to give all of Italy, but the responsibility has always been there," Arrivabene said.

"This year there is more pressure because we won the previous race, but this is racing and we are used to it. We are still a young team and I do not guarantee anything for the end of the season, but everyone wants it - and you know what I mean."

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel Mercedes Ferrari

Replies (3)

Sjakiebonestakie

Posts: 3
Forza Ferrari!
- + 0
- Aug 30 2018 - 12:32
Ram Samartha

Posts: 1,172
I love Ferrari and think it's a good idea to manage expectations, especially in Italy, but I would have to say that saying "We're used to losing" is not the best way to go into a home race weekend. Kimi really got shafted last weekend. He's been looking the fastest at a few race but things just haven't gone his way this season. He's finally got the car set up the way he likes it and has been right at the top of the timesheets, so it would be nice to see him win this one at Monza.
- + 0
- Aug 30 2018 - 12:49
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  @RAM
  
  They that I read it was more of a: "we are ready to fight for the win" (but except that we might not win every round) versus the notion of "we have the best car" (so we expect to win every race, kinda miss placed entitlement ).
  
  It's about the hunger and attitude towards winning the championship and Ferrari are definitely very hungry. They moved their F1 technology into an leading position this year so I can see them winning 2018.
  
  Kimi has been driving better this last couple of races however I think that Vettel is just a bit more switched on with regards towards race wins and poles but it's getting closer between those 2. Ferrari win on Monza would be great.
  + 0
  
  Aug 31 2018 - 07:34