Red Bull left the Turkish Grand Prix thrilled. They were not on the pace with their rival Mercedes, but got a double podium finish. There was a thrilling moment that proved to be pivotal in Sergio Pérez getting a podium. He had to defend very hard in a wheel-to-wheel battle with Lewis Hamilton, who was obviously faster than him. Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has stated that Hamilton intentionally forced Perez into the pitlane during their battle.
WATCH STORY: Verstappen the Big Winner as Hamilton Loses Out at Turkish F1 Grand Prix
Hamilton wanted to send him into the pit lane: Helmut Marko
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As reported by SkySport, the Austrian stated that the Mercedes driver practically pushed the Mexican into the pit lane. But he praised Perez for holding his ground against the seven-time world champion.
“He practically pushes him. Hamilton wanted to send him into the pit lane. But Perez fully held against it, defended well and that was ultimately the decisive factor that he achieved the third place in the end,” said Helmut Marko. (Translated via Google Translated)
Checo was the perfect wingman as his defense helped Verstappen secure the top spot in the drivers’ championship.
READ MORE: Who Owns the Red Bull F1 Team?
Red Bull advisor mentions they got lucky with the weather
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Marko mentioned the team got lucky with the weather at the Turkish Grand Prix. He stated they had no chance of competing if the conditions were dry. Red Bull had been lacking the pace that Mercedes had on the weekend in the dry conditions.
“In the dry, we would have had no chance. We have to acknowledge that. We were a little afraid at Hamilton that he would stay out completely. But the way his tires looked, the risk of tire damage was immense. And for slicks it is god be thanks not been so dry,” said Helmut Marko.
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The conditions helped Verstappen to stay in second place and also helped Checo in defending against Hamilton. In the dry, the German team were almost a second a lap faster than Red Bull.
Could Red Bull hold off Mercedes in the dry? Let us know.