Lauda warns Mercedes to take Vettel threat seriously after Singapore setback
Niki Lauda has urged Mercedes to remain vigilant as Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari resurgence narrows the title gap following the team's unexpected slump in Singapore.
Niki Lauda has told Mercedes not to underestimate Sebastian Vettel’s title challenge after Ferrari’s victory in Singapore cut the gap to Lewis Hamilton to 49 points ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Lauda, Mercedes’ non-executive chairman, admitted the team is still searching for answers following its sudden loss of form at Marina Bay.
Theories about Mercedes’ dip ranged from new Pirelli tyre pressure rules to the team’s latest engine specification generating excessive torque and overheating the tyres. Lauda rejected both explanations, insisting Mercedes had complied with all Pirelli and FIA pressure requirements and that engine torque was not to blame.
Vettel’s resurgence puts pressure on Mercedes
The Singapore result has revived Ferrari’s championship hopes at a crucial stage of the 2015 season. Vettel’s win, combined with Mercedes’ struggles, has prompted speculation that the 49-point margin to Hamilton could be closed before the season finale in November. Lauda acknowledged the risk, stating that while Mercedes still holds the advantage, the team cannot afford complacency.
Lauda described the 49-point lead as “a good margin” but warned that the championship remains open and that Mercedes must be alert to every detail. He credited Ferrari’s progress and Vettel’s form as factors that have made the title fight less predictable than it appeared earlier in the season.
Uncertainty over Mercedes’ Singapore slump
Despite its dominance for much of the year, Mercedes was unable to match Ferrari or Red Bull in Singapore. The team’s engineers are still analysing the data to understand why the car failed to perform on the street circuit. Lauda emphasised that the cause was not related to tyre pressures or engine characteristics, but did not offer a definitive explanation.
With the Japanese Grand Prix approaching, Mercedes faces renewed scrutiny over its ability to respond to Ferrari’s challenge. Lauda’s comments reflect a shift in tone from the team’s earlier confidence, as Vettel’s performance has forced Mercedes to treat Ferrari as a genuine threat for the remainder of the season.
- Vettel’s Singapore win has put pressure on Mercedes to solve its performance issues quickly.
- Ferrari’s resurgence has made the title fight more competitive than expected.
