2017’s Funniest F1 Radio Conversations

In most scenarios, the car-to-pit radio is used for relaying information back and forth, reporting any problems or providing encouragement to a driver. Other times, drivers use the team radio to exercise their funny bone and spout sarcastic quips or even rage at other drivers. So without further ado, here are some of the funniest F1 radio conversations in recent times, particularly the 2017 season.

The Best of 2017 F1 Radio Conversations

Fernando Alonso, Russia, Warm Up Lap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6Hl0aeswjU

As the drivers completed their final sighting lap, one car was missing from the grid, Fernando Alonso. By the time cameras found the Spaniard who was supposed to line up in P15, the MCL32 had died out on him and he came to a halt right at the pit entry. The McLaren Honda pitwall tried to offer advice to kick-start the car. Alonso, resigned to his fate, shot back “I tried already, so try yourself”

Carlos Sainz, Silverstone, Race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qqJra2Kws0&t=3s

Daniil Kvyat has built up a reputation for himself as a ‘Torpedo’ and amassed more penalty points than actual points. Teammate Carlos Sainz Jr found out the hard way while going side-by-side with the Russian. Kvyat was able to get going once again but Sainz’ race was over. The team radioed Sainz and asked him if the car was okay, a disgruntled Sainz replied “Yeah, all ok, you can tell Dany he did a very good job there”

Kimi Raikkonen, Russia, Race

In the middle of the Russian GP, Raikkonen’s engineer radioed him to tell him that he was 5.5 seconds behind Bottas. A confused Raikkonen demanded to know how Bottas had managed to jump him in the pitstops. The engineer patiently explained that Bottas was leading the race. A sheepish Raikkonen terminated the conversation by saying “Ah ok i thought it was the other way round”

Kimi Raikkonen, Hungary, Race

If you skip to 0:43 seconds, you can hear an absolute gem from Kimi Raikkonen. On lap 31, the Ferraris were coming up to lap Paul Di Resta, who was substituting for a sick Felipe Massa. Vettel made short work of the Scot but Raikkonen was stuck a little longer. He furiously said, “What the **** is this Williams guy? If he cannot see behind him, he should stay on the reporting stuff”. Raikkonen was alluding to Di Resta’s role as a pundit for Sky Sports F1.

Jenson Button, Monaco, Pre-Race

Fernando Alonso was halfway across the world, competing in the Indy 500 and Jenson Button was roped in to fill in for him. Button was starting from the pitlane and as he made his way to the pit entry, Alonso radioed him to wish him luck. What followed next was a top notch piece of banter by the two veterans. Alonso said “Please take care of my car” to which Button replied “Okay I’m gonna pee in your seat”. This was one of the best F1 Radio conversations that really highlighted the friendship between Alonso and Button.

Esteban Ocon, Bahrain, Free Practice 1

During his free practice run, Esteban Ocon’s run was botched by a slow Pascal Wehrlein. He took to the radio to complain to the team. He said “I don’t know what Wehrlein’s doing”. To which, his engineer replied “Wehrlein doesn’t know what Wehrlein’s doing so don’t worry about him”.

Carlos Sainz Jr, Singapore, Race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLMnpK1wUww

The 2017 Singapore GP was an eventful one. In the buildup to the race there were rumours that Carlos Sainz could join Renault in place of Jolyon Palmer. But he blocked out all the chatter and put his head down. The Spaniard rocketed to a fine P4 and the team were ecstatic. His engineer screamed over the radio “Vai! Vai! Carlos! P4 Carlos! Boomshakalaka.Grande! Vamos! Vamos! Toma Toma!” Soon te driver joined in the celebration as the result dawned on him.

Sebastian Vettel, Malaysia, Race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y678sR8dJNU

During the race, Sebastian Vettel was hunting down Max Verstappen when the 2 came across Fernando Alonso. Alonso did his best to get out of the way but only Verstappen was unhindered. An unimpressed Vettel bemoaned, “Hey! What a… Come on Alonso! Really?! I thought you were better than this”. The Spanish double world champion eventually gave way but Vettel lost a few crucial moments behind the McLaren-Honda. This was one of the funniest radio conversations because of the entire situation.

Sergio Perez, USA, Q1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EuR1kLAwzQ

Sergio Perez was on a flying lap in Q1 when he was impeded by Kevin Magnussen. The Dane seemed to have drawn the ire of a number of drivers during the season. In the end, Perez just about made it through to Q2 but was livid. He said “Man, what is Magnussen doing? What the **** is he doing man? He’s always the same! Aaargh always the same man! Its unprofessional”

Fernando Alonso, Abu Dhabi, Race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TVL0bjdDNs

Fernando Alonso finished of McLaren’s final race with Honda and he ended the show in style. To be precise, he performed a few donuts for the crowd. As he got on the radio, in a hopeful tone he said “I did some donuts practice for next year”. Hie engineer replied “yes mate I saw”. One thing is for sure, Alonso is the king of F1 radio conversations.