Helmut Marko Claims “Mercedes is Weakening” After Lewis Hamilton’s “Better Than Netflix” Ferrari Drama

It is no surprise that Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive was the driving force that attracted a fresh crop of fans to the sport, especially in the American subcontinent. The show gained massive popularity after its debut, which highlighted the behind-the-scenes drama of Formula 1, which was otherwise hidden from the fans. This got an entire generation of fans hooked on the show first and then the sport.

However, more often than not, F1 is not as dramatic as Netflix or the fans would like. Sometimes. Even the world of Formula 1 witnesses a driver win 19 out of 22 races in a season. However, Lewis Hamilton has trumped anything the show has ever portrayed with his move to Ferrari, according to Helmut Marko.

Nobody saw Hamilton’s shocking move to the Italian team coming, especially at Mercedes. The Brackley outfit was not prepared for this announcement, and their response with a last-minute team meeting, which Toto Wolff addressed remotely, was proof of that. Hamilton leaving Mercedes after possibly losing faith in them and joining Ferrari soon after renewing his contract is surely better than Netflix and is good for the sport, according to Helmut Marko. However, the admission that has caught our attention from Marko is his opinion on the state of Mercedes.

“Nothing changes for us, except that Mercedes is weakening, while it remains to be seen whether Ferrari will strengthen. Overall, it has an incredible effect, which will also have consequences on stock prices. For sports it’s a great thing, it’s better than Netflix! Even if Mercedes cannot afford to share the most important innovations with him, he would naturally take them with him to Ferrari,” said Helmut Marko as quoted by Formula Passion. (Translated via Google)

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Now, one could say that Mercedes becoming weaker while Ferrari gaining Lewis Hamilton is surely better for the sport in terms of breaking the monotony. However, the Mercedes boss can shake things up and add a twist to this tale.

Helmut Marko on Mercedes’ potential next move

Soon after Hamilton to Ferrari news broke out, the Brackley outfit went into hyperdrive to find a replacement. Now, it’s not easy to find a replacement for a seven-time champion on a grid that only features three champions in total. However, that is exactly what Toto Wolff is rumored to be doing.

Now, the Austrian boss wants to replace Hamilton with either Fernando Alonso or Max Verstappen. We already know about his meeting with Alonso’s manager. Additionally, there were rumors of Wolff approaching Verstappen’s camp as well in an attempt to give the grid another shock.

Helmut Marko believes, “Toto Wolff will try that, but he will be unsuccessful.” However, Dutch former racer Michael Bleekemolen doesn’t want to put anything past the “crazy” F1 silly season.

He further said, “That seems like a difficult matter to me. He also knows that it is almost impossible to interfere, but things can get crazy. However, I don’t see it just happening.” 

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Maybe not for 2025, but Bleekemolen believes there is always a possibility, as he does not want to rule any scenario out. Mercedes might use all its might to land the Dutchman to strengthen themselves again. We never know what the future holds, but Max Verstappen on Mercedes will surely have the same effect as Hamilton on Ferrari.