The Mercedes team were so dominant in Australia that even their own driver Nico Rosberg wished his rivals could catch up and give them a bit more of a fight.
“We know it would be good if they [Ferrari] can come a bit closer, as long as they don’t come too close …”
Third placed man, Sebastian Vettel though was quick to question Rosberg’s comments, which resulted in a rather amusing exchange of words in the post-race press conference.
NR: I hope we can have a good fight. That would be awesome. I think the next couple of races we’re going to be leading the way for sure, and we’re going to try and keep it that way, but we know it would be good if they can come a bit closer, as long as they don’t come too close…
SV: Be honest. Do you really hope so? Seriously? You finished 30 seconds ahead of us and you hope it’s going to be closer? So you hope you slow down? Is that what you’re saying?
NR: I hope that you can give us a challenge! Because it’s important for the sport and for the fans. And I do think about the show. Half of me – or a part of me – thinks about the show because I want to give people a great time at home watching on TV or at the track. If you do come a bit closer, that would be awesome for everybody.
SV: First suggestion, if you don’t mind, I think your garage becomes public for Malaysia and everyone can have a look. No? I’m joking.
NR: You can come if you want, we can invite you…
SV: OK, thank you for the invite, I’ll come.
NR: Friday Malaysia, OK.
SV: Engineers’ room? Debrief, I’ll be there.
Now Rosberg has answered Seb’s request on Twitter with a few amusing tweets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBWuDhIv9B0