Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest to grace Formula 1, has had plenty of moments to savor, especially in his time at Mercedes. However, during the Imola Grand Prix, the British driver had a moment to forget. Max Verstappen lapped the seven-time world champion, and it shocked the entire crowd in Imola and those watching around the world.
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And, of course, Dr. Helmut Marko had his say on the incident. The Austrian, known for his straightforward approach towards the drivers and media alike, stated Hamilton should have retired from F1 after last year’s Abu Dhabi showdown. Sky Sports reporter Johnny Herbert revealed the response from the Red Bull advisor was ‘Typical Helmut Marko’ and backed the Briton to bounce back.
Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton is still in the race for the championship
The Imola GP further showcased why the W13 has done no favors for Hamilton. He finished P13, while his teammate George Russell ended up P4. To rub salt in the wounds, race winner Verstappen lapped the Mercedes driver. The Dutchman himself revealed it did not surprise him, while Helmut Marko took his chance to have a dig at Hamilton.
However, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert criticized Marko and stated Hamilton can still be a threat for the championship. He also revealed Red Bull would prefer to have Hamilton at their wheel after last season’s incredible yet controversial battle between the two.
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The Englishman said, “What a cheap shot. Typical Helmut Marko and Red Bull to be honest. You know, after everything that happened last year. What a battle there was between Max and Lewis and, of course, Red Bull and Mercedes. You know, it went down to the wire.”
🎙️ "What a cheap shot!"
Johnny Herbert reacts to the recent comments from Red Bull's Helmut Marko on Verstappen lapping Hamilton in Imola 👇pic.twitter.com/D31SadvXq3
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 27, 2022
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“The race at the end of the year, you know, was sort of complete and utterly wrong. But it was the man who dominated the last part of the year, that was Lewis Hamilton. So it just shows that he was on fire at the end of last year.”
“Would they want him their car? Yes, they would, but they know he’s a big big threat for them once Mercedes gets everything together and they start battling for those race wins again. “
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Watch this Story – Lewis Hamilton’s Biggest F1 Crashes
Currently, Mercedes is showing no signs of improvement. The chances of Hamilton’s 8th title are slipping away as the battle between Leclerc and Verstappen is intensifying. Can Hamilton join them? We will have to wait and watch.