Max Verstappen’s 5-word Message to Toto Wolff Rubs Salt in Lewis Hamilton’s “Poorest Performance”

After Mercedes’ heroic Canadian GP progress, Red Bull’s old rivalry might be revived in 2024. The Silver Arrows’ upgrade package with the new front wing helped George Russell fly to Pole position, but Lewis Hamilton, not so much. The 7-time champion called it one of his “poorest performances” ever. Max Verstappen’s honest admission post-race has incidentally added insult to injury for Hamilton.

At the Monaco GP, Toto Wolff & Co. only equipped George Russell’s W15 with the new upgrade package. Hamilton then hinted at a bias within the team, claiming that he doesn’t expect to beat his 26-year-old teammate in qualifying this year. The tensions rose as the Ferrari-bound Briton also hinted at foul play with his tire temperatures in Montreal.

Despite this, Toto Wolff declared that a double podium was an easy target they couldn’t achieve. Russell, who could’ve won the race, starting in P1, succumbed to minor driving errors. When Max Verstappen was asked about Mercedes’ performance, he replied, “For sure, (Russell could’ve won). I think overall Mercedes had the fastest car,” he emphasized, supporting Wolff’s aim and contradicting Hamilton’s “worst race” comments.

In another interview, Russell also rued his “ugly race” and the “missed opportunity” to Mercedes’ first victory in over two years. However, his team boss stood by his side when asked about the missed victory.

Toto Wolff: Beating Max Verstappen was a “short dream”

Red Bull wasn’t the favorite to win the Canadian GP. But Ferrari, who was already out in qualifying after a double Q2 knockout. Replacing them was Mercedes, as their newfound pace threatened Max Verstappen’s chance at victory. Though George Russell led one-third of the race, his minor slip-ups were exploited by the reigning world champion.