The term 'F1 team orders' is quite familiar, but the term 'cross-team instructions' is sothing many people are not very clear about.
To put it simply, it's when the managent or strategy team of Team A directly issues instructions to the drivers of Team B!
This situation usually arises when there are common interests between the two teams or drivers.
For example, in joint operations, like those between Red Bull Racing Team and Red Bull Second Team.
Another kind is engine custor teams, such as those in the Renault camp, rcedes camp, Ferrari camp, etc.
Historically, there have been countless races suspected of cross-team instructions, those passive defenses, and inexplicable car-giving moves raise suspicions, though such behavior violates FIA rules, no team or driver is likely to admit it.
Yet, there happens to be soone who admitted it, and he is TOTO, the team leader of rcedes Team (Wolff).
During the 18-season Monaco Station, Indian Force driver Ocon let the rcedes driver Hamilton behind him pass, directly deciding the outco of that race's podium.
Afterward, facing dia interviews, rcedes leader Toto proudly announced that it was he who issued cross-team instructions to Ocon to help Hamilton gain more points and achieve the team's five consecutive championships.
Furthermore, at the Brazilian Station that sa year, Indian Force driver Ocon let Hamilton pass again and even bumped the lead car Verstappen out of the track during lapping, leading to the famous weighing platform shoving scene.
It was precisely Ocon's move that allowed Hamilton to snatch first place and continuously lead until the race ended.
Of course, this ti, Toto didn't admit to the cross-team instructions, drawn from the previous year's Briatore "Crash Gate" penalties, Wolff couldn't guarantee he could overturn FIA's suspension order.
Externally, there is generally a consensus that there is definitely suspicion of behind-the-scenes manipulation by the rcedes Team.
As for why Indian Force driver Ocon would listen to rcedes leader's instructions, it's because both parties belong to the sa camp.
Indian Force uses rcedes power units, and Ocon is from the rcedes youth training background, and Toto hinted at him joining the rcedes Factory Team.
Being able to leap into a top factory team, it's not surprising to be a tool.
However, McLaren and rcedes have sowhat special relations in this era; theoretically, rcedes provides the power unit and occupies a dominant position, but in fact, for a long ti, McLaren occupied the dominant position.
Even when rcedes wanted to sell power units to other teams inside the circuit, they needed McLaren's permission, otherwise, the transaction couldn't be reached.
Clearly, such status relations ant renowned luxury rcedes could definitely not bear long; this was one of the fuses in the breakdown between the two teams.
But those are matters for the future, now still in the "new army" phase, rcedes remains closely related to McLaren.
Presently ranked fourth, Rosberg hears the instructions from the team engineer.
"Rosberg, hold back the HRT driver Bei behind you and create an opportunity for Hamilton."
Upon hearing these team orders, Rosberg was first surprised, and then imdiately understood the team's intention.
As a second-generation driver, Rosberg was no stranger to paddock politics, besides the team's long-ti implied cooperation with McLaren, suggesting secret channels for cross-team instructions.
So things can only be understood without being articulated, the timing indeed involves assisting Hamilton in overtaking.
In later years, many knew Rosberg and Hamilton had a poor relationship, their intra-team competition was very fierce, even reaching the point of mutual sarcastic accusations during post-race interviews.
But in fact, they once had a very good relationship, even talking about the future chance to beco F1 teammates, believing it would be a very cool thing.
Just like Chen Xiangbei and Hoshino Yoshi's pact to et at the pinnacle.
The "dream" ca true, yet faced the harsh reality.
The greatest enemy in F1 is often your teammate!
No matter how hard you try to separate racing and life, in the highly competitive circus of F1 with only one world championship title, childhood and adolescent friendships can't withstand the test.
Years later, Rosberg won't execute this order to help Hamilton improve his ranking.
But it doesn't an he won't comply now.
Under circumstances where the bottom-line interests conflict is not touched, childhood friendships hold more value.
"Roger that."
After simply responding, Rosberg looks at the HRT Racing Car far behind in the rearview mirror.
Aside from his friendship with Hamilton, Rosberg also has a feud with Chen Xiangbei, he certainly wouldn't let the Chinese Kid easily improve his ranking!
Chen Xiangbei naturally didn't hear other teams' instructions, he continued in his rhythm blocking Hamilton's offense while trying his best to chase the car ahead, Rosberg.
One lap, two laps, three laps…
At cruising speed without full throttle advancent, the speed between drivers actually doesn't differ much.
Until the race reached the twenty-fifth lap, Rosberg entered Chen Xiangbei's attack range.
But before he could launch his attack, the car ahead, Rosberg, made an irrational move, he deliberately slowed down a bit to block in front of Chen Xiangbei's car, beginning a slow car pressing maneuver!
Although Chen Xiangbei is a newcor, it doesn't an he's a rookie; upon seeing this scene, he instantly understood the significance behind Rosberg's move.
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