2021 was when Red Bull and Mercedes were equally good rivals. The car performance was similar, and it was up to the drivers to decide the result, solely based on merit. But 2023 is just Max Verstappen casually strolling in the park, getting victories in every possible country. However, in the British GP qualifying, McLaren gave him tough competition for the Pole. But it wasn’t tough enough as he secured P1 from Lando Norris. But rather than being focused on McLaren’s threat, Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko was just happy that they will not have a repeat of the accident at the 2021 British GP.

The 2021 British GP was a controversial one. Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were having a close battle for P1 in Lap 1. But at the high-speed Copse corner, Hamilton’s W12 made contact with Verstappen’s RB16B. That contact made Verstappen lose complete control of the car and he crashed into the barriers, registering a shocking 51G force. That could have been fatal, but luckily the Dutchman was taken to the hospital and was declared fit.

At the 2023 British GP qualifying, Mercedes’ upgrades did not work, but McLaren’s upgrades did so perfectly. Hamilton could only manage a P7. But compatriot, Lando Norris will line up on the front row with Verstappen on Sunday. In an interview after the race, Marko was asked about the Woking outfit’s staggering pace. After saying one relevant line in response to the question, he steered his mental machine to mock Lewis Hamilton for shunting Verstappen at Silverstone 2 years ago.

Marko told Kronen Zeitung, “I didn’t expect the two McLarens to be so close to us. But on the other hand, we’re glad that Lewis Hamilton isn’t standing next to us, that’s reassuring. Because it doesn’t bring back good memories.”

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However, unlike Marko, the 2-time champion couldn’t care less about who lines up alongside him. Because ultimately, those drivers and teams will be fighting for P2 and P3.

Max Verstappen Doesn’t Care About What’s Going On the Racetrack Behind Him

Ever since Sergio Perez’s win in Azerbaijan, all the races have been won by Max Verstappen. At this point, there need to be airplanes on the circuit for him to lose a race. But that’s never happening, so he just casually continues to conquer F1 circuits across the globe. His victories are constant. But what is not is the team fighting for P2. At the beginning of the season, it was Aston Martin. Then Mercedes joined in. Then, Ferrari did, and now it’s McLaren.

In an interview with Sky Sports after the qualifying, the Dutchman was asked about who he thinks is Red Bull’s biggest competitor. Verstappen sounded like the most nonchalant man on Earth when he replied to the question. He said, “I don’t know. I don’t mind, as long as they just keep shuffling around, they just keep stealing points from each other, so that’s great.”

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Max Verstappen has already won Red Bull’s home GP in Austria. “Home hero” Lewis Hamilton looks like he’s out of contention for a podium. But can the 2-time champion add to the British crowd’s miseries by performing better than the other Briton, Lando Norris?