Helmut Marko Snubs Lewis Hamilton & Co. as “Serious Rival” to Respond to Toto Wolff’s “Irrelevant” Jibe

Drama often plays out off the track just as much as it does on it. Amid Red Bull‘s supremacy this season, a similar undertone has engulfed the F1 paddock. Max Verstappen continues to rewrite the history books with his remarkable streak of 10 consecutive wins. However, in the wake of Verstappen’s historic win at the Italian GP, Toto Wolff remarked that these records never played a significant role in his life. These comments seemingly reflect Toto’s frustration as no Mercedes driver ever managed more than 7 consecutive wins, a record set by Nico Rosberg, despite their years of dominance. On this, of course, it’s Max Verstappen’s biggest fan, Helmut Marko who has delivered the most stinging rebuke.

To give some insight, Toto Wolff attempted to downplay Verstappen’s feat by calling it a mere statistic for Wikipedia, adding fuel to the already fiery rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes. Wolff’s initial assertion that Verstappen’s record of ten consecutive wins was “irrelevant” left many scratching their heads, especially given the significance of such an achievement. It’s worth noting that Mercedes enjoyed a period of unparalleled success from 2014 to 2020, where they clinched numerous titles and set multiple records. However, Wolff’s remark seemed to dismiss the significance of records altogether.

The most stinging reply to Wolff came from Helmut Marko. Responding to Wolff’s “irrelevant” comment, according to Formula Passion, Marko said, “We will worry about Mercedes when it is a serious rival.” This barb carries significant weight, underlining the notion that Mercedes, despite their past glories, has been unable to challenge Red Bull in the current ground-effect era. The statistics tell a compelling story – Mercedes has claimed just 1 victory in the past year a victory that dates back to 2022’s Brazilian GP, while Ferrari notched up 4 wins in the same period. As 2023 unfolds, Red Bull remains undefeated, further emphasizing Marko’s point.

Wolff’s hope for Ferrari to succeed in Monza for the betterment of F1 was dashed when Red Bull secured a dominant one-two finish at the iconic circuit. This unexpected outcome underscored Red Bull’s unyielding supremacy, leaving Wolff and Mercedes to ponder their place in this new era of F1.

Read more: Wolff’s Controversial Insults Hurled at Verstappen Labeled “Smart” as Winning by Hook or Crook Takes Priority

In Marko’s eyes, Mercedes’ performance in 2023 is far from being a challenge for the high-flying RB19. These barbed comments reflect the psychological warfare that is a part and parcel of F1. In the face of adversity and skepticism, Max Verstappen, with his incredible skill and determination, has not only made history but has also brought the debate on team dominance back to the fore.

Conflicting accounts of Max Verstappen’s mentality

The Italian GP weekend wasn’t just another race for Max Verstappen; the pressure on him was palpable, amplified by the prospect of achieving something truly extraordinary. Helmut Marko, initially raised eyebrows when he noted a shift in Verstappen’s mentality. He remarked to Verstappen seemed “relatively nervous” during the lead-up to the race, a rare sight for the typically unflappable Dutch driver.

However, when Verstappen was confronted with Marko’s observation, he dismissed it outright, he declared, “I wasn’t nervous at all. Maybe Helmut likes to say that. I was actually very relaxed this whole weekend.” Christian Horner, added another layer to the narrative. While not entirely agreeing with Marko, he offered his perspective, stating, “I wouldn’t say that [Verstappen was nervous] but I would say even more focused than usual. We clearly saw that this record meant something to him.”

Horner continued to praise Verstappen’s exceptional performance, emphasizing, “Max, he breaks records, he drives at a level… Nobody can beat him today. I don’t think we’ve ever seen such a level.”

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if Red Bull can maintain their stranglehold, or if Mercedes can find a way to mount a comeback. Either way, the drama off the track is sure to continue to be as engaging as the races themselves.

WATCH THIS STORY | Max Verstappen’s Million-Dollar Lifestyle: Unveiling His Top 5 Most Lavish Luxuries