F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ericsson gives the skinny on why Wehrlein is four tenths faster

Marcus Ericsson has thrown his weight behind the reasons why Sauber team mate Pascal Wehrlein is generally faster than he is.

The Swede says there is a 10kg weight difference between himself and the German, a natural ballast which he estimates is worth four tenths of a second per lap!

Wehrlein leads Ericsson 9 to 4 in the intra-team qualifying battle while the former has scored five points so far this season against zero top ten finishes for the latter.

"We've been close, but he has good numbers on me, which I don't really like," Ericsson said.

"It's also been difficult for me with the weight disadvantage.

"At the beginning of the year it was a bit less but for the last four or five races it's been 10 kilos difference.

"That is a lot of lap time on every lap on every track - usually they say it's three or four tenths a lap with 10 kilos."

Ericsson admits that keeping his weight under control is a never-ending battle and an inevitable by-product of his height.

"It makes it difficult. It's [Wehrlein’s pace] my benchmark and I need to beat him as much as I can.
"It's been a lot of years in F1 now where I've been in probably the worst car, and it's difficult then to show your skills, and that also makes it more difficult to get a better seat."

Ericsson's prospects don't look set to improve anytime soon. Indeed, he may even struggle to remain at Sauber despite his close relationship with the Swiss outfit's owners.

The team has renewed its engine supply agreement with Ferrari who may channel its young talent through Hinwil, to Ericsson's detriment.

Contact was recently initiated with Williams, but chances of his joining the Grove-based outfit are remote.

"Williams is looking less likely for me and Sauber is probably the strongest option at the moment,” Ericsson confirmed.

"There are always people trying to take your seat and there always will be.

"We've been looking around a bit at different seats, which I think everyone that doesn't have a contract for next year has to do.

"At the moment nothing is done. My management is working hard on it and we see there are some options."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

12 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago